Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa as the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, replacing Tafadzwa Muguti after only two months in the position.

The appointment, announced in a statement issued by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya on Wednesday, takes immediate effect.

Pazvakavambwa was appointed in terms of Section 205(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Muguti’s departure comes amid growing concern over the ministry’s handling of demolitions across the country, which have attracted widespread criticism and been described by affected communities and critics as merciless and anti-people.

The demolitions have sparked anger over the destruction of homes and other structures, with questions raised about the treatment of affected residents and the processes followed by local authorities.

However, the appointment statement did not provide reasons for Muguti’s departure or indicate whether his exit was linked to the controversy surrounding the demolitions.

Pazvakavambwa now takes over the ministry’s top administrative position, overseeing its operations and the implementation of government policies and programmes in the local government and public works sectors.