Mafume says Harare is on its way to real sunshine ...

Mafume says Harare is on its way to real sunshine city brand

Philemon Jambaya

Assistant Editor

Harare residents facing water cuts, overflowing garbage bins, and crumbling roads can expect some relief, according to Mayor Cllr. J. Mafume's State of the City Address delivered Friday.

While acknowledging the significant challenges, the mayor outlined a roadmap for improvement, stressing collaboration between the City Council and central government.

The city's chronic water woes were at the forefront of the address. Current production levels hover around half of Harare's demand, leading to frequent water shortages.

The Mayor offered some hope, highlighting efforts to boost production by the end of the year. Completion of the Kunzvi Dam project is also expected to provide much-needed long-term relief. Harare residents frustrated by overflowing bins can expect some improvement.

The City Council recently received 52 tractors through a government initiative. Procurement of trailers is underway to enhance waste collection efficiency. The address highlighted a rise in deliveries at Council clinics, along with the resumption of caesarean sections at Mabvuku Polyclinic.

However, the recent cholera outbreak caused by water and sanitation issues remains a pressing concern. The City's road network, in a state of disrepair due to insufficient budget allocation, will see some improvements. The Council is working with the Ministry of Transport and ZINARA to prioritise rehabilitation in preparation for the upcoming SADC Summit in August.

To tackle the city's housing crisis, the Council is exploring a new model. This includes acquiring machinery for land development and forging partnerships with reputable developers and financial institutions to provide serviced stands.

Regularisation of existing settlements that meet planning standards is also underway. The Mayor commended Glenview 9 Primary School for achieving the province's second-highest pass rate. To address overcrowding in schools, the Council is implementing a pairing model for Early Childhood Development Centres with primary schools. Partnerships with private schools are also being encouraged to create additional capacity.

Mayor Mafume emphasised the need for increased financial resources to expedite service delivery improvements. He urged residents to settle their outstanding bills and called upon the government to approve the City's budget.

Collaboration with stakeholders such as the Emergency Help Group and private developers was highlighted as essential for progress