Rural District Councils Act

Rural District Councils Act [Chapter 29:13]

The Rural District Councils Act is the foundational legal instrument that establishes and governs Rural District Councils (RDCs) as the primary local authorities in Zimbabwe’s rural areas. The Act outlines the composition, powers, duties, and operational procedures of RDCs, ensuring that rural communities have access to structured local governance.

Key provisions include:

• Establishment and status – Creates RDCs as corporate bodies with perpetual succession, capable of suing and being sued, and holding property.

• Functions and responsibilities – Empowers RDCs to administer rural areas, manage natural resources, control land use and subdivision, provide local infrastructure (roads, water, sanitation), and deliver essential community services such as primary health and education support.

• Revenue and financial management – Grants RDCs the authority to levy rates, taxes, and fees (including development levies and land rents), and prescribes budgeting and accounting standards to ensure financial accountability.

• By-law making power – Allows RDCs to make by-laws on matters such as public health, building regulations, animal control, and the management of local markets and bus terminuses.

• Community participation – Provides for ward-based governance structures, including ward development committees, to facilitate grassroots input into planning and decision-making.

For residents and ratepayers, this Act determines how your local RDC operates, how funds are collected and spent, and how you can engage in local development planning.

• Rural District Councils Act pdf (1015kb) [ download ]