15 July, 2025 | Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub | heraldonline
BULAWAYO Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, is leading a high-level council delegation to Osaka, Japan, to participate in the Japan Clean City Initiative (JCCI) and the Mayoral Alliance Expo 2025.
Mayor Coltart is also attending the Zimbabwe-Japan Business Forum, which is being headlined by President Mnangagwa today.
According to the latest council report, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube informed councillors that the local authority had received formal communication from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
“We are in receipt of information regarding possibilities of establishment of twinning arrangements between towns and cities in Japan with their counterparts in Zimbabwe,” reads part of a letter dated 15
May 2025 from the Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, Dr John Basera.
The correspondence urged local authorities to identify potential areas of cooperation and submit draft Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to facilitate the processing of twinning arrangements.
“Local authorities are encouraged to identify areas they would need to establish twinning arrangements and submit in an MOU format to ease processing,” the letter further stated.
It was also noted that local authorities willing and financially able to attend the Mayoral Alliance Expo should submit proposed MOUs outlining possible areas of cooperation.
The Mayoral Alliance Expo is a network of 650 local governments across Japan established to promote regional culture and development through the 2025 World Exposition.
It aims to support regional growth, encourage innovation in communities, foster collaboration with various industries, and engage governments, businesses and civil society in pursuit of shared development goals.
“As indicated, local authorities who can afford and are keen to establish twinning arrangements with Japanese cities/towns and also participate in Clean City Initiatives should quickly indicate their willingness and commitment to participate at the Mayoral Alliance Expo,” the letter added.
The Bulawayo City Council resolved to authorise Mayor Coltart to travel with Deputy Mayor and Focal Person for Twinning, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, Chamber Secretary, Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, City Economic Development Officer, Mr Kholisani Moyo, Cleansing Superintendent, Mr Nkanyiso Moyo, and Principal Town Planner, Ms Nolwazi Ncube.
The visit is expected to unlock new avenues of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in areas such as urban development, clean city strategies, and sustainable economic growth.