The LGA and UK councils are receiving requests for support from newly elected councils in Zimbabwe via the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ). These requests tend to be for capacity building support from UK local government practitioners. The LGA is coordinating these requests and hosted a meeting in London on 1 February to brief councillors on the current local government situation in Zimbabwe and better understand how UK councils might be able to assist.

A representative from the Foreign and Commonwealth office attended the meeting and the FCO has welcomed any efforts that UK councils can make stating

"(any) assistance in strengthening local government capacity to deliver through better quality and more accountable services that partner organisations might be in a position to provide during this phase, offers the potential for improving the lives of communities that have remained unsupported for too long".

There is growing recognition of the skills and experience within the UK local government sector and how these can be applied to international development programmes. A recent report by the International Development Select Committee highlighted the potential to use skills within the local government sector for UK urban development programmes.

If you are interested in finding out more and getting involved in any work with Zimbabwe, please contact us