Government Threatens City Fathers with Jail

The Zimbabwean government has threatened local authorities with jail over service delivery failures, as residents go without running water and face cholera outbreaks from contaminated boreholes, leading to endemic outbreaks. According to NewsDay, the directive to privatize selected services aims to improve efficiency and revenue collection, but critics warn it could exacerbate inequality and reduce accountability. The move comes amid a broader crackdown on local governance, as the central government seeks to assert control over urban councils. The cholera outbreaks have become endemic, with residents forced to rely on unsafe water sources. The threat highlights friction between national and local authorities over resource allocation, with council officials warned of personal liability.