_Forward Everywhere_ *The government has issued a stern warning to local authorities nationwide, threatening to take over service delivery operations if councils continue failing to meet minimum standards* Advertise with us WhatsApp +263 77 443 4698 Ngatibatane pa WhatsApp Channel 👇🏾 *View and Follow and Share this channel* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJEcyNDTkK81mXyWB0s Deputy Local Government Minister Albert Tawanda Mavunga, speaking at a youth forum earlier this week, said the Cabinet had set clear expectations, and non-compliance would trigger government intervention. “In Harare, for example, the municipality is expected to provide 24-hour water supply. If they can’t, central government will step in. “If they fail to maintain roads or manage waste, the Local Government Ministry and Geo Pomona will step in to ensure citizens get the services they deserve,” Mavunga said. This comes as local councils face mounting criticism from residents over poor waste management, erratic water supply and uncollected refuse — issues that have fuelled sporadic cholera outbreaks. According to NewsDay, residents' groups have repeatedly petitioned Parliament, accusing councils of failing to uphold basic service delivery. Councils, in turn, blame central government for excessive interference and unpaid debts. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, addressing a full council meeting this week, said the city was engaging with central government to address persistent service delivery shortfalls. Meanwhile, Mafume revealed that residents from Notleyvale and Mabelreign have petitioned council over noise pollution and the alleged illegal use of Sherwood Golf Club as an open-air nightclub. They also raised concerns about the validity of the club’s lease. “Some five years ago, the Notleyvale Residents’ Association discovered that the lease file for Sherwood Golf Club had mysteriously vanished from the City Estates Department,” said Mafume. “We will look into this and talk to the proprietor to reduce noise levels. If that fails, we will revoke the relevant licences.”