By Flata Kavinga
The Zimbabwe Urban and Rural Councils Workers Union (ZURCWU) has urged the City of Kwekwe to place workers’ welfare at the centre of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, saying employees are the backbone of service delivery.
ZURCWU Secretary David Nhekede, who represented council workers during the strategic planning meeting in Kwekwe, said employees continue to shoulder the burden of ensuring quality service provision despite facing inadequate remuneration, limited social protection and declining benefits.
“It is the worker who carries the burden to ensure quality service provision,” Nhekede said. “As workers, we have our expectations to ensure we deliver on our mandate.”
He called for improved job security, stable employment opportunities and wages that reflect inflation and the rising cost of living. Nhekede also appealed for strengthened social protection systems, including access to health care, retirement plans and social safety nets.
Nhekede cited a recent case of a council employee who received pension benefits “far below his expectations” and later died from stress, saying such incidents highlight the urgency of reforming workers’ welfare mechanisms.
He warned that government institutions, including councils, risk undermining service delivery if they fail to recognise and support employees.
“We are seeing that the government is not paying attention to the needs of the people who are in need,” he said.
Nhekede acknowledged the recent awards received by the town clerk, mayor and several directors, but argued that frontline workers remain unrecognised despite driving those achievements.
“The worker is behind all these achievements but the worker is not recognised for these efforts,” he said. “The worker has to endure paying water bills to council and no one cares about where the worker stays.”
He urged councillors and management to prioritise workers’ welfare during policy discussions, including housing support and possible waivers on water charges. He referenced other public institutions, such as ZESA, where employees receive utility exemptions.
Nhekede also called for improved workplace environments that promote teamwork, innovation and consultation, especially on operational issues.
“We may buy tractors, but it is the worker who drives them. We may want to create drainage or install new pipes but it is the worker who will do this. It is wise to consult workers,” he said.
Other key issues he raised include transparent governance, ongoing training to keep pace with changing technologies and support for workers intending to start businesses after retirement.
Nhekede said a council that invests in its workforce is better positioned to deliver efficient, reliable and sustainable services for residents.
