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The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has warned about a potential humanitarian disaster in Harare and Chitungwiza following the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water treatment plant. This decision comes after the drying up of two critical water supply dams, Harava and Seke.
On Wednesday, 28 August, the City of Harare announced the closure of the water treatment plant, which processes water from the Harava and Seke dams for distribution to Chitungwiza and various parts of Harare, including Hatfield, Airport, Waterfalls, and Msasa.
The shutdown of the plant, located near Chitungwiza, is resulting in a daily loss of 70-80 megalitres of water, further exacerbating the already limited supply.
In a statement, CHRA warned that the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water purification plant could lead to serious health crises in both Chitungwiza and Harare. CHRA said:
<blockquote>
The CHRA is warning of a serious humanitarian disaster if urgent contingency plans are not put in place following the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water purification plant by the City of Harare due to the lack of raw water in the Seke and Harava dams.
This has increased the water supply deficit in the city and worsened the ongoing water crisis, impacting the residents of Harare and Chitungwiza.
We reiterate that the lack of raw water in the Seke and Harava dams due to the El Nino-induced drought is a reality of the impact and effects of climate change, which require inclusive climate action and disaster risk reduction planning for resilience building.
</blockquote>
CHRA urged local authorities and the central government to work together to provide alternative water supplies to Harare and Chitungwiza residents. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Given the deepened water crisis, the government and local authorities (City of Harare and Chitungwiza Municipality) must set aside an emergency fund for the provision of alternative water supplies (mobile water bowsers), installation of online chlorinators on all public boreholes and distribution of chlorine tablets.
Development of inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate action plans at the community level for local resilience building.
The government needs to disburse meaningful amounts of devolution funds to the City of Harare, and these funds should be channelled towards financing of improving water infrastructure, in particular reduction of non-revenue water currently standing between 40-50%.
</blockquote>
On Friday, August 30, the Chitungwiza Municipality announced that it will start receiving water from Harare’s Morton Jaffray treatment plant every Friday through Sunday. The municipality plans to distribute this water to as many areas as possible upon its arrival.
Harare City Council’s water director, Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, recently informed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government that the water treatment capacity at Morton Jaffray is 614 megalitres (ML) per day.
In contrast, the capacity at Prince Edward is 90 ML per day. This brings the total capacity to 704 ML per day, intended to serve Harare, Chitungwiza, Norton, Ruwa, and areas extending to Inkomo Barracks.
Moyo noted that the daily water demand is approximately 800 ML, surpassing the production capacity of 704 ML.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The residents' association warns that Harare and Chitungwiza may face a crisis due to drying up of water dams. The water treatment plant had to close, causing a shortage of water in the area. This could lead to health problems for people. The association is urging the government to find alternative water sources and make plans to handle emergencies. Chitungwiza will start receiving water from another treatment plant. But, the demand for water is higher than what can be produced, leading to a serious problem.

Residents Association Warns Of Humanitarian Crisis After Dams Dry Up

City of Harare Councillors have criticised the local authority’s procurement department for allegedly hindering preparations for the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for August 17.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030598/councillors-fume-over-harare-preps-for-sadc">NewsDay</a>, during a special full council meeting on Tuesday, councillors reportedly took turns lambasting the procurement department for failing to approve the acquisition of equipment needed to uplift the city ahead of the summit.
Chairperson of the subcommittee on Town House renovations and beautification councillor Jane Bingari said:
<blockquote>
So far, the team at the procurement department does not want any progress. They want things which they only benefit from. They don’t want to work at all.
</blockquote>
Councillor Denford Ngadziore said accused the procurement department of only prioritising issues they are benefiting from. Said Ngadziore:
<blockquote>
The procurement department is indeed only serious on issues they are benefiting from. I do not want to raise alarm, but they are not serious and we need to be serious in this department.
</blockquote>
Human resources chairperson George Mujajati said:
<blockquote>
This is a national sabotage and we have observed sabotage and incompetence and we need to sit down and decide on the way forward.
</blockquote>
However, speaking to NewsDay after the meeting, Mayor Jacob Mafume said preparations for the SADC summit were progressing well. He said:
<blockquote>
We are going on with preparations in line with Sadc beautification programme and beyond. We are almost ready to host the summit, but we need now to work day and night.
</blockquote>
Mafume said the city has undertaken several measures to improve preparations for the upcoming SADC Summit including improving road markings, installing new streetlights, repairing traffic lights, and enhancing security at recreational facilities and parks.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

City of Harare councillors are upset with the procurement department because they say it is slowing down preparations for an important summit. The councillors think the procurement department is being selfish and not allowing progress for the city. They say it is a national sabotage and they need to fix the problem. However, the mayor says that preparations are going well and they are almost ready for the summit. They have been working hard to make the city look nice for the event by fixing roads, lights, and other things.

Harare Councillors Accuse Procurement Department Of Sabotage

The government has barred the Harare City Council (HCC) from holding workshops outside the capital, stating that out-of-town workshops were a waste of ratepayers’ money.
Addressing a full council meeting at Town House on Thursday, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said they had received a circular from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, regarding this directive. Said Mafume (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030075/govt-cracks-whip-on-hcc-workshops">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The government is saying such workshops should be done with the approval of the government. I have asked my staff to comply.
We are here to protect residents’ affairs in good faith. So we have to comply with the government directive, which is our parent ministry.
</blockquote>
Mafume also announced the arrest of town clerk Hosiah Chisango by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on fraud charges. He said:
<blockquote>
The name of the company which had won the tender sounds more like a music outfit than a company that supplies electricity.
Our town clerk has been arrested over the matter, but I do not want to comment further because this is before the courts.
</blockquote>
Mafume also announced that Phakamile Mabhena Moyo will be the acting town clerk.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government stopped Harare City Council from having workshops outside the city because it's a waste of money. The mayor got a message from the Minister of Local Government about this. The government wants to approve all workshops now. The town clerk was arrested for fraud, and a new person will take his place for now. The council has to follow the government's rules to protect the residents. The company that won the tender had a strange name. The mayor didn't want to say too much about the arrest because it's being dealt with by the courts.

Govt Bans Harare City Council From Holding Out-of-Town Workshops

Four Harare City Council officials were this week arraigned before the Harare Magistrates Court facing charges of Criminal Abuse of Duty as Public Officers.
The four accused persons are Never Murerwa (62), Jabulani Mukomazi (44), Denford Zhungu (69) and Tawanda Mutenhabundo (29) who are Manager Supply Chain, Principal Buyer, Principal Accountant and Engineering Technician in the City of Harare respectively.
It is the State’s case that on 15 March 2024, the City of Harare flighted an invitation to tender for the rehabilitation of street lighting across the city. Said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA):
<blockquote>
Eleven companies including Juluka Ennd Joint Venture (Pvt) Ltd responded to the invitation. Juluka Ennd Joint Venture was disqualified after failing to meet the tender requirements.
However, the accused persons unprocedurally awarded the tender of two of the ten lots to Juluka Ennd Joint Venture, disregarding an earlier decision to disqualify Juluka Ennd Joint Venture for failing to meet the bid requirements.
Investigations revealed that the accused persons awarded the tender to the company owned by individuals who also own a company which had failed to deliver in a previous tender awarded for a biogas digester in 2019.
This was contrary to the standard bidding regulations which provide that bidders who have a history of failure to execute are not eligible.
Acting upon the accused persons’ recommendations, the City of Harare entered into a contract with Juluka Ennd Joint Venture and thereafter commenced preparation for an advance payment. The tender was valued at US$9 244 328.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that Juluka Ennd Joint Venture is owned by Moses Mpofu who is currently in remand prison alongside his co-accused, Mike Chimombe.
Mpofu and Chimombe are facing fraud charges related to the alleged siphoning of over $7 million from the Presidential Goat Scheme.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Four Harare City Council officials were arrested for not doing their jobs properly. They are accused of giving a big contract to a company that didn't follow the rules. This company, Juluka Ennd Joint Venture, is linked to people who have been involved in other fraud cases. The contract was worth a lot of money, $9 million. The officials now have to go to court to answer for what they did. They could be in big trouble for not being fair and following the right procedures.

Four Harare City Council Officials Arrested For Criminal Abuse Of Duty

Harare City Council (HCC) officials have been awarded new Toyota Fortuner GD-6 sport utility vehicles, each costing around US$70,000 for the lowest-priced model, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029338/vehicle-scandal-rocks-harare-town-house">NewsDay</a>.
The vehicles, which were reportedly purchased from a local car dealer, were allocated to 10 officials in Grade Four positions at the council.
However, the officials have been reluctant to drive the luxury vehicles to the Town House due to concerns that it may raise eyebrows among the public.
The optics of senior municipal officials using such expensive vehicles, especially at a time when the city is facing numerous infrastructure and service delivery challenges, may be viewed unfavourably by residents. Said a NewsDay source:
<blockquote>
Council secretly brought 10 vehicles for Grade Four officials. 85% of the total cost is paid by the City of Harare. The beneficiaries will pay only 15% which will be deducted from their monthly salaries.
They are not driving the vehicles to Town House because they fear that the other employees will know about the matter. We have a situation where some officials are parking their vehicles outside Town House.
</blockquote>
On Sunday, HCC’s acting finance director, Godfrey Kusangaya, confirmed to NewsDay the acquisition of the vehicles. He said:
<blockquote>
This is a human resource issue, but they got the vehicles through loans. They have loans. People say what they want, but you can get our human resources department if you want more details.
</blockquote>
Yesterday, when contacted by NewsDay, Human Resources and General Purposes Committee Chairperson Councillor George Mujajati declined to comment on the matter.
The report says Stanley Gama, the Council’s Head of Corporate Communications, did not respond to calls made to his mobile phone yesterday.
Precious Shumba, the director of the Harare Residents Trust, has called for government intervention to address this issue, arguing that the council should prioritize service delivery over the purchase of expensive vehicles. Said Shumba:
<blockquote>
Service delivery at Harare City Council has collapsed, refuse collection is almost non-existent, water supply is in shambles, sewer bursts are not being attended to, but we are seeing extravagant displays by council officials.
So we are urging the beneficiaries of these council vehicles to come forward. If they believe that they deserve them, they must drive them to Town House. When they report for duty, they must be seen by fellow council workers.
Council district officers do not have vehicles yet they are the chief representatives of council at local level and they do not have vehicles to move around in communities and residential areas to monitor infrastructural development that is going on and taking place.
I have been to district offices and they do not have stationery to talk about. They do not have computers, they are using their own personal money at council to buy stationery so that they can print.
They have all the money to buy luxury vehicles for senior executives but they abandoned their mandate. We believe the government should intervene in a way that will put a stop to buying luxury things at the expense of service delivery.
</blockquote>
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director Reuben Akili criticised the council for misplaced priorities. He said:
<blockquote>
We have always said that HCC does not know its major priorities. What is the reason for buying such luxurious vehicles?
This is wrong. We are not happy about that at all. We are demanding answers on why these vehicles were bought.
</blockquote>
This is not the first time that the Harare City Council (HCC) has been embroiled in a controversy over the acquisition of luxury vehicles.
Ten years ago, council officials were alleged to have diverted a portion of a US$144.4 million loan from China, which was intended for water and sewer infrastructure projects, to instead purchase 25 high-end vehicles, including Land Rovers and Range Rovers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Officials Awarded Luxury Vehicles

The City of Harare has announced that it will commence the closure of dilapidated public buildings within the city this week. These structures have been deemed unfit for occupation.
According to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/council-to-close-condemned-buildings-this-week">The Sunday Mail</a>, in April 2024, more than 200 buildings, including about 14 tall ones in and around Harare’s central business district, were considered unsafe for occupation.
This followed an inspection by council officials who identified properties with poor ventilation, a lack of emergency exits, and signs of general decay.
The city council then issued the building owners with abatement orders directing them to urgently repair their properties or risk their closure.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Harare City Council town clerk Hosiah Chisango said:
<blockquote>
As of June 1, all the buildings that did not comply (with the orders) will be locked up because we gave them enough grace period to bring through their plans.
If someone fails to use the six-week grace period to spruce up their properties, they will be locked up.
Now, we are going on the ground to tell them that we gave them enough time. This means those licences that are issued by the City Health Department… are not going to be issued until they comply.
</blockquote>
Last month, the Harare City Council issued 233 abatement orders to owners of the buildings.
An abatement order is a legal document issued by a government agency or authorised body to address a building nuisance or violation. It requires the recipient to take specific corrective measures.
For instance, a noise abatement order might be issued by a local council against a noisy nightclub, requiring them to reduce the noise within a specified timeframe. Said Chisango:
<blockquote>
We started issuing abatement orders on April 11, 2024, through to the end of the month.
After we have finished, we are now going into the second phase, where we will not be negotiating because enough grace period was granted to the owners of the buildings.
The second phase, which we are about to commence, is when we go on the ground and check how many have or haven’t complied. We will then lock up those that haven’t complied…
With 233 abatement orders issued, around 30 per cent have complied and have started working on their buildings.
</blockquote>
14 properties, including Mahachi Building, Vivandelphi Court, Stewarts &amp; Lloyds, Dublin House, Msasa House, Bush House, Roslin House, Daventry House and Robin House, were recently deemed unfit for use.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Plans To Close Condemned Buildings

The Harare City Council says it is owed ZiG940 million by residents, businesses, parastatals and government departments, among others, in unpaid rates.
In a statement, the City Council said the unpaid bills have negatively impacted its ability to provide key services to residents.
The Council also said it has since commenced issuing final demands and summons to debtors, and this will be done “without fear or favour.” Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare is owed in excess of ZiG940 million by residents, businesses, parastatals and government departments among others. This is money that is needed to run the City operations and service delivery operations.
We have since started issuing final demands and summons to our debtors. The summons will be served on all our debtors without fear or favour.
The City will also embark on a name-and-shame exercise to encourage debtors to settle if they fail to honour their payments.
Names of debtors will be posted on our social media platforms and at all district offices in Harare. To avoid the inconveniences of being taken to court with the possibility of losing property like houses, debtors are urged to immediately settle with the City.
</blockquote>
In response to the City of Harare’s statement posted on social media, residents criticized the council for demanding payment for services it has not provided.
Wezhira Wezhinji wrote:
<blockquote>
As long as you are billing residents for services that are not provided this problem won’t go away, I will give an example in my case, at one point we went close to 5 months without a drop of water but the bill kept coming with estimates.
</blockquote>
Captain Barbossa retorted:
<blockquote>
What service are you providing?
</blockquote>
GeeCee wrote:
<blockquote>
Could you kindly list exactly what the funds are supposed to be used for? And a basic breakdown of how much has been collected in the past 3 months and how it has been allocated. People are more likely to pay when they know where their money is being channelled.
</blockquote>
Finch had to say:
<blockquote>
Your cashiers turn away people saying the system is down. And one time they started questioning me kuti card ramukushandisa nderenyu here, dzokerai munotora maUS kumba. Very lazy people.
</blockquote>
Kaseke said:
<blockquote>
That’s laxity on the part of the council and will not sympathize as you are supposed to jerk up in terms of collections but be that as it may how come you not giving updates on some of our bills which were messed up in Feb 2024 and no word on corrections up to now pse sort out the issue.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Claims Ratepayers Owe ZiG940 Million

The City of Harare has refuted claims of a recent increase in criminal activities, including murders and robberies, in Harare Gardens.
In a public notice issued by Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango on Friday, April 12, the local authority said that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that there is no recent murder case reported in Harare Gardens. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
SECURITY SITUATION IN HARARE GARDENS
We take note of a statement circulating on social media about an upsurge in criminal activities in Harare Gardens including allegations of murder and robbery cases.
Some of the information in the statement is inaccurate. We have checked with the police and they have confirmed that there is no recent murder case reported in Harare Gardens.
The only murder case in Harare Gardens was confirmed months ago and both the ZRP and municipal police have since heightened security.
Our municipal police and the ZRP continue to make regular patrols and these will be increased to protect residents from criminals.
Gangs of street kids and vagrants continue to be taken out of Harare Gardens and the operation will be heightened.
Residents are urged to contact the City Safety Manager, Mr Moyo in case of any suspicious activity not only in Harare Gardens but in the whole City and surrounding areas. Mr Moyo can be contacted on 0777421985.
</blockquote>
On 08 February this year, a woman was stabbed to death by a thief who had allegedly tried to snatch a cellphone from her in Harare Gardens.
The victim, Norest Chimusoro died after being stabbed indiscriminately with an unknown object by the assailant who left her bleeding to her death.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Responds To Reports Of Murders Occurring In Harare Gardens

There are concerns that historical documents dating back to the colonial era belonging to the City of Harare may be lost after water from a river flowing under Julius Nyerere Way seeped into the basement of the capital’s Town House.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025479/historical-documents-destroyed-as-town-house-floods">NewsDay</a>, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), has since switched off electricity at the building for safety reasons.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed that some documents in the building are now drenched in water. He told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
There has been a problem, remember there have been a lot of rains and there are cracks in the basement where water has seeped into the building.
We had a meeting with the National Archives and the Art Gallery. Some historical documents in that building would need a certain type of draining to be done to preserve them.
We are trying to coordinate a process where we would expertly remove the water without damaging the documentation that might be of historical importance to the city and historians.
So, there are experts who are assisting us in removing the water.
</blockquote>
Mafume said that the whole of Harare was built on a wetland, hence there is a constant need to pump out water. He said:
<blockquote>
Harare was built on its water sources and you find a lot of rivers originating from Harare, there is a river running under Julius Nyerere Way and we have Mukuvisi and other various rivers going to Mazowe and Mt Pleasant.
There is always a debate on the issue of building on wetlands. That is why we recycle the water from Lake Chivero because it comes and flows from Harare.
</blockquote>
The Town House was built in 1933 and has served as the headquarters for the city council ever since.
Before independence, it housed the Salisbury City Council, and in 1980, it became the Harare City Council’s central office.
Critics view the flooding of the basement of Harare Town House as evidence of neglect by the local authority in maintaining the city’s administrative building.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Floods At Harare Town House Destroy Historical Documents

On Sunday, Harare’s mayor, His Worship Councillor Jacob Mafume, expressed concern that several buildings in the capital were hazardous and at risk of closure due to their dilapidated condition.
Following his visit to a building that collapsed on Chinhoyi Street in the central business district on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and six injuries, Mafume spoke to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025376/hre-buildings-death-traps-mafume">NewsDay</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
We are sorry for the tragedy. I am very sad about what happened. It is very unfortunate, we issued a notice just a few weeks ago about the state of buildings in the capital.
We will inspect them with a view to close those that do not meet standards and give a timeline to revamp the buildings so that in future we do not record such tragedies.
</blockquote>
On Sunday, 07 April, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the victim, identified as Yolanda Hodzi, an adult female from Maridale, Norton, was positively identified by her next of kin.
He also said three vehicles parked in front of the building sustained damage.
The damaged vehicles are: a Mazda 323, registration number, AAW 5934; a Toyota Probox, registration number, AGE 8052; a Toyota Spade, registration number, AGN 6805.
Meanwhile, last week, the City of Harare issued a 14-day ultimatum to all property owners and occupants of buildings in the CBD, requiring them “to renew or regenerate their buildings and/or properties either through repairs, refurbishments and/or repainting.”
In a public notice, Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango emphasized that the council will take decisive action against those who disregard this directive.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Mayor "Sorry" Over Fatal CBD Building Collapse

The Harare City Council (HCC) says it is owed a staggering $1.5 trillion by ratepayers which has compromised its ability to provide essential services like water, garbage collection and sanitation.
The local authority’s inability to collect revenue has been attributed to a dysfunctional revenue collection system.
As a result, the Council is struggling to maintain infrastructure, pay workers and invest in critical services.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/harare-city-council-owed-15-trillion">The Sunday Mail</a>, Harare Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango said:
<blockquote>
While focusing on service delivery, there is concern about the box of revenues.
All ratepayers owed the city $783.2 billion and the figure has increased to $1.5 trillion as of February 29, 2024.
While the Zimbabwe dollar figure is increasing, the value of the debt continues to go down due to the movement of the exchange rate.
The December 2023 debt had a value of US$132.95 million, while in February it had reduced to US$101.28 million.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Harare residents say the Council’s billing is fictitious since it is based on estimates and non-existent services.
Tinashe Mangachena, a resident of Budiriro high-density suburb, said that the council had failed to provide basic services. He said:
<blockquote>
The way they charge the monthly bill isn’t even normal. For example, the city doesn’t even supply us with water, but their bills have massive charges for water provision.
Sometimes their bills are based on very unreasonable estimates, and as a resident, I will not pay until they deliver proper services.
</blockquote>
Most local authorities in Zimbabwe are failing to provide essential services to ratepayers and this is not only due to their failure to collect revenue primarily in the form of rates, fees, and charges from residents and businesses.
Top officials within local authorities have been implicated in the embezzlement of funds, and there is also political interference in revenue collection processes and misuse or misappropriation of funds.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ratepayers Owe Harare City Council $1.5 Trillion

Harare City Council (HCC) officials are allegedly withholding ZWL$2.6 billion disbursed in 2023 by the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA) for road maintenance. 
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024614/harare-stashing-zwl26b-zinara-funds">NewsDay</a>, HCC’s delayed utilisation of ZINARA funds came to light when Furbank Trading, a local company contracted to supply traffic lights, requested a contract variation due to non-payment for goods supplied on January 12. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
We were awarded the above-quoted purchase order number, the value was ZWL$1 346 926 000 … from January 12 to date we have sought two justifiable variations necessitated by the loss of value of the local currency, the latest variation was totally avoidable as we supplied the traffic signal heads, but you have not processed payment.
</blockquote>
NewsDay reported sources as saying the chief roads engineer, Gerald Mutume, a permanent South African resident of sleeping on the job. Said a source:
<blockquote>
He has been taking his time to sign papers and while he does that money dispatched by ZINARA loses value because of inflationary pressures.
He did the same last year, withholding money meant to buy aggregates and only gave a go-ahead after the value had been eroded and we bought half of what we should have bought had he acted swiftly.
</blockquote>
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said he had been briefed on the matter when contacted for comment. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We received a couple of billions from ZINARA and because it’s in local currency the expectation is that our officials act quickly by making payment.
I have asked the treasury and they tell me that they can’t pay our suppliers until they get the green light from the user who is the roads engineer and director of works.
</blockquote>
However, Mutume passed the buck to Mafume saying, “How do I get involved in the processing of payments? Go and ask the treasurer and the mayor, they are the ones who are involved at that level, not me.”
ZINARA chief executive, Nkosi Ncube said they have always had problems with local authorities over the utilisation of disbursed funds. Ncube said:
<blockquote>
We did disburse a substantial amount of money to Harare City Council last year and we encourage councils to use the money they are given wisely and responsibly.
We can’t dispatch money so that it sits in the accounts of local authorities.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) has been in free fall since its re-introduction in 2019. Initially, Zimbabweans used a mix of foreign currencies, including the US dollar, euro, and South African rand. 
However, on June 24, 2019, the Zimbabwean government banned the use of foreign currencies in local transactions, leading to increased reliance on the re-introduced ZWL, initially known as the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) dollar.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic IN 2020, the Government of Zimbabwe implemented a policy allowing the use of foreign currency for transactions. This decision aimed to mitigate economic challenges during the crisis.
Since then, the usage of the United States dollar has increased significantly. Currently, over 80 per cent of local transactions are conducted in USD.
Those who receive Zimbabwe dollars are eager to dispose of them promptly to avoid losing value.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Harare Council Sitting On ZWL$2.6 Billion ZINARA Funds"

Harare Mayor, His Worship, Cllr Jacob Mafume, has responded to allegations of police brutality involving municipal officers.
The incident, captured in a viral video, shows a group of men in civilian attire assaulting a vendor. Mayor Mafume has ordered an investigation into the matter.
In a press statement, Mayor Mafume emphasized the importance of upholding human rights in policing. He stated:
<blockquote>
We are the primary police force in our city, and we interact most closely with the public. Our methods must align with human rights principles.
</blockquote>
To address this, the mayor announced plans to introduce human rights courses for officers.
Furthermore, Mafume acknowledged the need for harmony between municipal officers and vendors.
He emphasized that the institution’s image must be protected, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken if the perpetrators are indeed city employees.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume Orders Probe Into Vendor Assault

The Harare City Council has conceded that the removal of street vendors has been a failure.
The Government recently ordered the local authority to remove vendors from the streets in the Central Business District to curb the spread of cholera which has since been detected in almost all districts in the country.
On Wednesday, several senior Government officials met with the media to give an update on the state of water, sanitation, hygiene and current cholera outbreak control in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the meeting, City of Harare health services department director Dr Prosper Chonzi said (<a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/we-have-failed-to-remove-vendors-harare-city-council/">via Chronicle</a>):
<blockquote>
An order was made for us to remove all the food vendors in Harare to ensure that our streets are clean. But as you have seen we haven’t done very well there.
The general economy is playing against us. We have been playing hide and seek after vendors and it isn’t working.
We are glad now that the Government has come up with Chenesa Harare, and if we clean up for now then we come up with medium and long-term plans to maintain the clean environment that’s there.
As the Director of Health in the City, I’m not happy with the vending situation in the city, it’s plain against what we are trying to achieve and contain the outbreak. And trying to enforce not giving us the intended results.
</blockquote>
Chonzi said there must be a change of mindset and residents should know that they risk contracting diseases by buying food from uninspected places.
As of 24 January 2024, Zimbabwe had 20 446 suspected Cholera cases, 2 324 confirmed cases, 19 711 recoveries, 71 confirmed deaths and 381 suspected deaths.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Concedes Failure To Remove Street Vendors

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, has said the State should take over the municipal administration of Harare following the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) dominated council’s failure to perform its duties.
The Harare City Council is struggling to collect garbage and to provide clean water to residents, amid a cholera outbreak in the city which has killed scores.
As a result, the central government had to step in and collect garbage, clean city environments, and drill boreholes to provide supplementary water to residents.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Charamba said infighting within CCC has paralysed the local authority, therefore, the State should step in. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
With the paralysis which CCC infighting has wrought on the City of Harare, and given the raging cholera pandemic, it is about time (the) Local Government Minister approached His Excellency the President with the proposal to use Presidential Powers to bring Harare Municipality under direct State administration.
There is a good case now using the public health argument. The State is doing much of the work anyway!
</blockquote>
CCC’s disputed interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu has recalled Harare city mayor Ian Makone, his successor Lovejoy Chitengu, and several other councillors, claiming that they have ceased to be members of the party.
Reports indicate that Jacob Mafume, who took over from Chitengu, was recalled by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.
Tshabangu is, however, resisting Mafume’s recall, and the matter awaits determination by either the courts or the central government.
In previous cases, the court and the central government have consistently sided with Tshabangu.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Charamba Calls For State Takeover Of Harare Municipal Administration

The City of Harare has warned residents against buying land in Strathaven off Westminister Road saying land barons are illegally parcelling out stands in the area.
In a statement, signed by the Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango, the local authority said residents should not buy stands from land barons as they will lose their hard-earned money. Said Chisango:
<blockquote>
It has come to our attention that some land barons are illegally selling land to unsuspecting residents in Strathaven off Westminister Road.
Residents are therefore advised against dealing with the land barons as they risk losing money.
The City will immediately move in and enforce the law to stop the illegal sale of stands in the area.
For more information and clarity please contact the Town Clerk’s office or the City Housing Department.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, 10 January, the Chief Director of Spatial Planning and Development in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Shingirayi Mushamba, urged Zimbabweans to exercise patience and desist from acquiring land from land barons.
Mushamba said that the Government has earmarked land for housing stands in all the country’s 10 provinces.
The illegal activities of land barons have resulted in the mushrooming of shanty settlements across the country and the construction of homes on wetlands and riverbanks in urban areas.
From time to time, local authorities, especially the City of Harare, demolish structures built on land acquired illegally leaving residents, who would have spent their life savings on buying the land and building houses, in the open and at the mercy of weather elements.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Warns Residents Against Land Barons In Strathaven

The Harare City Council plans to craft a Private Member’s Bill for the criminalisation of land and space barons allegedly involved in parcelling out land on wetlands and river courses to desperate home seekers.
Private bills are proposed laws that seek special powers or exemptions for a particular person or group. They are sometimes called private legislation.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume (CCC) told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021584/council-by-laws-to-criminalise-land-barons">NewsDay</a> that the local authority will push for legislation that defines land and space barons as criminal offences. He said:
<blockquote>
All those who are being threatened and extorted must report to the council, district officers and the police.
We will not tolerate the issue of land and space barons and accordingly, we will be drafting a private members Bill to clearly define land and space barons as criminal offences.
</blockquote>
Mafume’s remarks come after dozens of families in Budiriro and Kuwadzana suburbs were forced out of their homes by floods follwing torrential rains around Christmas.
On Sunday, resident associations condemned the continued parcelling out of land on wetlands by land barons, especially in Harare.
Harare Residents Trust (HRT) director, Precious Shumba, said corrupt council and government officials were working together with land barons to allocate people residential stands on the wetlands. He said:
<blockquote>
If you visit and interview some of the victims, they reveal that identified council officials have misled the City of Harare by collecting money from the land barons and promising the desperate home seekers that nothing will happen to them.
The government should come hard on these land barons as the victims have lost their savings through corruption.
</blockquote>
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director Reuben Akili said:
<blockquote>
As long as we do not address these needs, we are not accomplishing anything.
This is the third time people in Budiriro have been hard hit by floods and we would have loved a situation where they are allocated land suitable for housing.
</blockquote>
Land barons, most of whom are linked to ZANU PF, have been illegally selling council and State land to home seekers over the years.
Last week, ZANU PF distanced itself from land barons illegally parcelling out land in different parts of the country using its name and demanded that law enforcement agencies ensure that the law takes its course.
In a statement, ZANU PF acting secretary-general Patrick Chinamasa said that the ruling party did not condone the unlawful land occupations and illegal activities of land barons.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Land And Space Barons Should Be Criminalised - Mafume

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has said the Harare City Council ignored an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in allocating residential stands to Budiriro 5 CABS area homeowners whose houses have been inundated by floodwaters.
A Budiriro resident, Catherine Mugore, told <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/?p=18831">ZBC News</a> that an EIA conducted by EMA marked coordinates for the area, which showed the dangers of allocating residential on a river course. She said:
<blockquote>
All these houses which you see submerged in water were condemned by EMA a long time ago.
EMA noted that all the stands they red-flagged out of their coordinates were not supposed to be used or inhabited.
</blockquote>
EMA Principal Officer Liberty Mugadza told ZBC News that they gave the City of Harare a map of the area indicating where houses should not be built. Said Mugadza:
<blockquote>
An Environmental Impact Assessment must be done before any construction takes place but for the situation on the ground that was not done and efforts to ratify after the council had allocated land were then done when the council approached EMA.
An ecological assessment was done and demarcations were put where it’s possible to build and where it cannot be done.
All this information was given to the planning department at the local authority.
Now what is coming to our surprise is the time taken to effect the necessary changes.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association chairperson, Takesure Musiiwa said the local authority claims residents settled on the land illegally but the homeowners have proof of payment to the council. He said:
<blockquote>
The situation I am seeing here in Budiriro is vice versa. Instead of the council approaching EMA, they are inviting EMA to look into the current problems.
The council claims the affected people illegally acquired the stands, but if you go to the residents, they have proof of payment to the council. So, it gives a discord to what is happening.
</blockquote>
Fifty-one Budiriro 5B Extension residents have been moved to a temporary evacuation centre after their houses were submerged by water from the adjacent Marimba River when it broke its banks, a senior government official was reported as saying.
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works communication and advocacy director Gabriel Masvora said that a minor aged six years was swept away in the Marimba River. Her body was later retrieved.
Masvora said the rains had damaged property valued at nearly US$189 000 in Budiriro and Kuwadzana Paddocks.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Budiriro Floods: Council Ignored Warning And Pegged Stands On River Course - EMA

Former Harare City Deputy Mayor, Kudzai Kadzombe, said she witnessed Harare municipal police officers “robbing vendors” along Lomagundi Road in broad daylight. She expressed her disappointment and managed to report the incident to their superiors. Kadzai Kadzombe, who was recently removed from her position in the council said:
<blockquote>
 Potato &amp; butternut heist, I was so disappointed to witness 1st hand, Hre municipal police officers robbing vendors along Lomagundi Road in broad daylight, with so many witnesses around, load the goods &amp; then sped away. I took the reg# &amp;reported it to their superiors
</blockquote>
This revelation sparked various responses, with some people stating that such incidents are common, particularly in the central business district.
Some individuals claimed that municipal police officers patrol certain areas and impose taxes on vendors, collecting US$5 every three days. Kadzombe, however, believes that not all officers are corrupt and that many dedicated municipal officers love their job and uphold principles. She acknowledged that a few bad officers tarnished the reputation of the entire force.
Others criticised Kadzombe, suggesting that she may be unfamiliar with the Harare Municipal Police’s modus operandi and urged her to familiarise herself with the by-laws and the efforts being made to restore order in the city. They questioned her lack of knowledge about the responsibilities of her own workers in cleaning up the city. Kadzombe responded, asserting that although she understands the role of municipal police as an enforcement arm of the council, she was specifically referring to thieves disguised as officers. She stood by her statement and expressed her disappointment in witnessing such acts.
Many comments highlighted the pervasive issue of corruption within Harare’s municipal police and other departments, such as city parking, licensing, and billing.
The incident witnessed by Kadzombe was seen as a reflection of the daily struggles faced by many vendors and the demands for bribes from the municipal police. Some suggested that the person involved may have been new to the area, hence the confiscation of goods, while others said that vendors often pay “rent” to operate. Critics described City Parking, a company contracted by the local government authority to collect parking revenue, and the municipal police officers as “terrorists” who are not pro-people. They demanded that measures be taken to address this issue.
There were calls for Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, to be made aware of the situation and for action to be taken against the corrupt officers. Suggestions were made to pay municipal police officers better and provide them with the necessary resources to do their job effectively. Some believed that this would help alleviate the problem of corruption.
Critics accused Kadzombe of raising the issue for political gain, rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the people. They argued that such incidents have been happening for a long time, but the local government authority has failed to take action. Kadzombe defended herself, stating that speaking the truth should not be seen as a popularity stunt. She expressed her willingness to address the issue and emphasized that just because such incidents are not new does not mean they should be tolerated.
Some individuals justified HMP’s operations arguing that vendors also engage in illegal activities, evading taxes and robbing the city of revenue. According to some commentators, “It is common for the police to confiscate goods when they catch someone committing a crime.” They claim that the police take everything that could be used as evidence. Others mentioned that vendors are not allowed to operate in certain areas, and some of them do not have the necessary medical certificates, which are required for selling food.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Former Harare Deputy Mayor Kadzombe "Witnesses Municipal Police Robbing Vendors"

The City of Harare will have its fourth mayor in four months after the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Winston Chitando confirmed the recall of the incumbent, Lovejoy Chitengu, who was elected councillor for Ward 36 in the August 2023 general elections.
The recall was instigated by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be CCC interim secretary general.
Chitengu was among several Harare councillors recalled by Tshabangu on 13 November before the former was elected mayor. However, a spelling error in his name had spared him the axe.
<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/harare-to-have-4th-mayor-since-august-as-tshabangu-ousts-chitengu/">ZimLive</a> reported that following a series of back-and-forth letters with the City of Harare, Chitando clarified in a December 11 letter to Harare’s town clerk:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to… our minute to yourselves dated November 13; your minute to ourselves dated November 16 and the received communication from Citizens Coalition for Changs dated November 26 on the matter of Lovejoy Chitengu who has ceased to be a member.
In terms of section 278(1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe as read with section 129(1)(k), ward 36 is vacant.
Please proceed to inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of the vacancy.
</blockquote>
Jacob Mafume was Harare’s mayor until the 23 August general elections. Ian Makone was elected as Harare mayor on 11 September before he was recalled by Tshabangu on 13 November. Chitengu was elected Harare mayor on 21 November.
The City of Harare must now elect a new mayor, the fourth for the city since August.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tshabangu Recalls Harare Mayor, Lovejoy Chitengu

The Harare City Council has warned residents against buying residential stands on the remainder of Lot 3 of Porta Farm in Norton.
In a statement, Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango said that the local authority is not selling the land, and those doing so are doing it illegally. He said:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare would like to advise members of the public that there are individuals illegally selling residential stands on the remainder of Lot 3 of Porta Farm in Norton.
Be advised that the property is wholly owned by City of Harare. The city is NOT selling the land.
The public is therefore warned against dealing with these land barons and report such occurrences to the nearest police station and to the City of Harare.
Any inquiries regarding this farm should be directed to the office of the Town Clerk.
</blockquote>
Local authorities in Zimbabwe face the challenge of “land barons”, politically connected individuals or groups who illegally acquire land, often through corrupt means, and then sell it for personal benefit.
This often results in the demolition of properties built on the land and the forced eviction of the settlers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Land Barons Descend On Porta Farm In Norton

Harare Mayor, Cllr Lovejoy Chitengu has been challenged to drink tap water in the city’s western suburbs such as Kambuzuma and Glen Norah where the water is reportedly contaminated.
This comes after Chitengu assured Harare residents that the tap water in the city is safe to drink, adding that it has been passed fit for consumption by experts.
Chitengu demonstrated that tap water is indeed safe by drinking from a tap at Morton Jaffray waterworks during a tour of the facility on Saturday.
However, award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said the tap water at Morton Jaffray is relatively clean compared to the water that comes out of taps in the suburbs.
Responding to a video in which Chitengu boasts about the “cleanness” of tap water in Harare that was posted on X by the council’s official account, Chin’ono suggested that water is contaminated when it enters Harare’s “old rusty network”, making it unsafe to drink. Said Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
The issue here is that the new mayor is at the treatment plant, so quality should generally be good at the source.
However, the water has not yet entered into the old rusty network of Harare where it gets contaminated. Storage tanks are also a source of water contamination.
The mayor should drink the water from Kambuzuma or Glen Norah, and not at the treatment plant.
It is like being at the source of a polluted river, and you say the river is not polluted without taking into consideration pollution sources downstream.
</blockquote>
Another X user, Zvidz Mat said: “Also people should regularly clean their water tanks at home. Mamwe ma tank atiri kuona mukufamba umu haana kugara mushwe akazara mazerere mukati. It’s a collective responsibility of CoH (the City of Harare) and the residents as well”.
Meanwhile, the Government has said Harare’s water supply has improved significantly over the last few weeks.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/harare-water-supplies-improve">The Sunday Mail</a>, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development chief director (water resources and irrigation development) Tinayeshe Mutazu said that Treasury has provided financial resources to the tune of US$1.2 million.
Mutazu also said Harare was unable to raise funds for the procurement of water treatment chemicals due to its dysfunctional rates billing system. He said:
<blockquote>
The major challenge that has been affecting Harare is a shortage of water treatment chemicals. The city could not procure the chemicals because revenue collection is very low on account of their billing system, which has collapsed.
We are starting at a point where we acknowledge that there was serious mismanagement by the City of Harare, which led to the near collapse of the water value supply chain.
</blockquote>
Last month, the Government established a technical committee to address the severe water supply challenges facing the capital.
The committee was also tasked with increasing and maintaining water production at around 520 mega litres a day and reducing non-revenue water from 59 percent to 55 percent.
It is also expected to ensure improved potable water supply coverage in the city from 40 percent to 60 percent.
Earlier this month, former Harare deputy mayor Kudzai Kadzombe said that the city needs 1200 mega litres for residents to get water daily but has a production capacity of 600ML.
Most of the time, the city produces 300ML which it shares with Ruwa, Norton, Epworth and Chitungwiza.
The City of Harare obtains its water supply from four dams; Lake Chivero, Lake Manyame, Harava Dam and Prince Edward Dam (which are also in the Manyame Catchment area and downstream of the City of Harare).
It is expected that when Kunzvi Dam located in Mashonaland East Province, is completed, Harare will get a cleaner water source and reduce the water treatment costs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Mayor Challenged To Drink Tap Water In Kambuzuma

Harare Mayor, Cllr Lovejoy Chitengu assured residents that the tap water in the city is safe to drink, adding that it has been passed fit for consumption by experts.
Chitengu made the remarks after touring Morton Jaffray waterworks on Saturday where he “demonstrated” that tap water is indeed safe by drinking from a tap nearby. He said:
<blockquote>
Our water is clean as you can see, there is nothing wrong with it. So, we are encouraging residents to drink water from the taps because it is clean and has been approved by experts as fit for consumption.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Government has said Harare’s water supply has improved significantly over the last few weeks.
This follows interventions by a technical committee set up by the Government last month to address the severe supply challenges facing the capital.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/harare-water-supplies-improve">The Sunday Mail</a>, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development chief director (water resources and irrigation development) Tinayeshe Mutazu said:
<blockquote>
The government took steps to intervene very quickly to avert total disaster, primarily a cholera outbreak, which was knocking on the city’s doors.
Treasury has provided financial resources to the tune of US$1.2 million. The City of Harare will draw down directly from Treasury.
Treasury is providing that funding through direct payments to service providers.
</blockquote>
He said the Government has since disbursed about US$1.2 million for the procurement of water treatment chemicals which is being paid directly to suppliers. Said Mutazu:
<blockquote>
The team has made progress, the first achievement being that they have managed to arrest the deterioration of water supply.
Supply was almost coming down to zero, to a point where the city could not provide any water.
This was not because there was no water in the dams, but because they could not pump untreated water into the city.

So, we moved from a point where daily supply was hovering around 150 mega litres to the current 350 mega litres.
But the desire is to get to above 520 mega litres per day, which is the current installed capacity.
</blockquote>
Harare’s water crisis has been worsened by frequent power outages at Morton Jaffray waterworks.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Mayor Urges Residents To Drink Tap Water

A 37-year-old man was crushed to death by a Harare City Council front-end loader vehicle while sleeping at a dump site.
Police said the now-deceased Innocent Mlambo was run over by the vehicle on Saturday, 11 November while sleeping at a dump site at corner Bute and Harare Street.
The body was taken to the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary.
The ZRP has appealed for information that may assist in locating the man’s relatives. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is appealing for information which may assist to locate family members of Innocent Mlambo (37) who died on 11/10/23 after being run over by a Harare City Council front-end loader while sleeping at a dump site at corner Bute and Harare Street, Harare. The body is at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary. The victim’s mother is Hedwig Dube. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Man (37) Sleeping At Dumpsite Crushed To Death By Council Vehicle

The Harare City Council has warned residents and ratepayers against illegally buying or selling foreign currency in its banking halls.
Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango said the local authority is not a bureau de change, therefore, it does not permit trade in forex at its premises. Said Chisango:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare would like to advise ratepayers that the banking halls are NOT bureau de change.
The City does NOT conduct foreign currency exchange and neither are such acts by employees permitted around City premises.
The City of Harare will not be held responsible if one loses their cash in such acts.
For any transactions at the City banking halls, kindly pay in forex or ZWL. Do not entertain any solicitation for foreign exchange services.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that forex dealers frequent the council’s banking halls to buy foreign currency from ratepayers who would want to settle their bills in USD and offer them Zimbabwe dollars at a rate higher than the official rate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"City Of Harare Banking Halls Not Bureau de Change"

The City of Harare (CoH) is in a financial crisis and is failing to pay its workers on time for the first time in many years.
This emerged during a revenue collection, generation maximisation and cost containment brainstorming meeting held in Harare on Wednesday.
The meeting, which was attended by Town clerk Hosea Chisango and district officers in the capital, was meant to devise ways to improve revenue collection.
Speaking during the meeting, Chisango openly admitted that the Harare City Council is in a financial crisis. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200016924/hcc-in-financial-squeeze">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
We are here because the City of Harare is in a financial crisis. For the first time in many years, we are failing to pay salaries on time.
l want to encourage all of you to communicate openly when we are brainstorming on how to improve revenue collection.
This will build a culture of trust and collaboration, which is essential for achieving our goals.
As district officers in your new enhanced roles as drivers of service delivery and revenue collection at the local level, it is important that you are customer-responsive, dedicated and self-driven, particularly in ensuring that the residents in your districts pay for the services rendered.
You must be self-driven in ensuring that customer complaints are addressed on time.
You will all agree with me that we have reached an all-time low in revenue collection because as a collective, we have not made reasonable efforts to collect what we are owed.
</blockquote>
Harare is struggling to provide clean running water for residents as well as collect refuse consistently due to financial constraints.
The local authority requires millions every month to purify water from its heavily polluted water sources.
In July this year, the Harare City Council tried to switch to US dollar rates collection but the Government reversed the move.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

City Of Harare Facing A Financial Crisis

The City of Harare has advised ratepayers that with effect from 01 July 2023, the Council bill will be denominated in US dollars.
In a notice, the local authority also said all outstanding arrears as at 30 June 2023 will be converted to USD using the prevailing exchange rate. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
Notice is hereby given to all residents and stakeholders of the City of Harare that effective 1 July 2023, the Council bill will be denominated in USD and all outstanding arrears as at 30 June 2023 will be converted to USD using the prevailing exchange rate.
Payments to the City of Harare will be accepted in either USD or ZWL$ converted at the prevailing official exchange rate of the date of payment.
All ratepayers’ (debtors) accounts will be maintained in USD and all billing will be done in USD based on approved USD tariffs in the 2023 budget.
The need to preserve value against exchange rate losses has necessitated this move.
City of Harare thanks its valued residents for their support in funding service delivery through payment of rates and other services.
For payments visit www.topup.co.zw
For ZWL$ Banks transfers; CABS 1003655211, send pop to rtgs@hararecity.co.zw
For USD payments; CABS 1125288884 send pop to cashcontrol@ hararecity.co.zw.
Ecocash *151*100#
</blockquote>
The City of Harare also said its banking halls will be open for the convenience of the paying public tomorrow, 01 July 2023.
The City fathers urged residents and ratepayers to take advantage and pay their bills.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Indexes Bills In US Dollars

Forty (40) people developed cholera symptoms a few days after attending a wedding at a resort on 10 June 2023, the Harare City Council has said.
Five cases had been confirmed to have been cholera cases by Friday, 16 June 2023.
In a statement, the local authority said the guests were from Malborough, Budiriro, and Glen Norah suburbs, among other areas, while others were from outside Harare. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
There was a wedding on the 10th of June at a resort in Harare. Around 350 guests attended. At least 40 of them developed cholera symptoms some few days after the wedding and as of 16 June, 5 had been confirmed to have Cholera.
The Guests were from Malborough, Budiriro, and Glen Norah among other areas. Some from outside Harare. We expect more cases as secondary cases arise from these.
We urge residents to continue practicing good hygiene to mitigate the spread of cholera.
</blockquote>
Cholera is a bacterial disease causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration, usually spread in water.
<h2>Causes</h2>
Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae which produces a toxin that affects the cells lining the small intestine, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration.
The bacteria is spread through contaminated water or food, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water.
<h2>Cholera Symptoms</h2>
Cholera symptoms typically appear within a few hours to five days after infection and can range from mild to severe.
The most common symptom is a sudden onset of diarrhea which is often described as “rice-water” stools because of its pale, milky appearance with flecks of mucous and sometimes blood.
The other cholera symptoms are:
<ul>
<li>nausea and vomiting</li>
<li>dehydration (characterized by dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, decreased urine output, or dark-colored urine)</li>
<li>muscle cramps and weakness</li>
<li>rapid heart rate</li>
<li>low blood pressure</li>
</ul>
Cholera can also lead to shock, seizures, and even death if left untreated.
<h2>Prevention</h2>
Measures to prevent cholera include the following:
<ul>
<li>Washing of hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet or before eating.</li>
<li>Ensuring that drinking water is safe and free of contamination. Boiling water for at least one minute or using water filters or purification tablets is highly recommended.</li>
<li>Avoid raw or undercooked seafood, fruits, and vegetables that may have come into contact with contaminated water. People should stick to cooked foods that are served hot.</li>
<li>Surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated water, such as kitchen counters and utensils should be sanitised.</li>
<li>Getting vaccinated against cholera can help prevent the disease.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Treatment</h2>
The most important aspect of treating cholera is to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting.
This can be done through oral rehydration therapy (ORT) or intravenous fluids in severe cases.
Cholera can also be treated by using antibiotics which shorten the duration and severity of cholera symptoms, as well as decrease the amount of bacteria shed in stool.
Zinc has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea in children with cholera and other causes of acute diarrhea.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Guests Contract Cholera At A Wedding In Harare

The City of Harare has only managed to allocate 56 housing stands since January this year, while the waiting list is above 11 000 active members.
In his first quarter report on Wednesday, Harare mayor Jacob Mafume described the situation as “sad”. He said:
<blockquote>
We managed to allocate only 56 stands since January and this is sad as the housing waiting list is standing at 11 282 active members as of December 31, 2022.
The city is finalising the human settlement policy which is coming as a review of the current housing policy.
We will then unveil the new housing models that the city will implement going forward particularly as we seek to address the outstanding issues in the pay schemes that are operational in Harare.
Going forward the city will not allocate unserviced land because this has created a lot of problems and has promoted the mushrooming of illegal settlements.
</blockquote>
The ever-rising housing waiting list has resulted in land barons taking advantage of desperate home-seekers by illegally percelling out State land.
It has also resulted in the sprouting of illegal settlements lacking basic amenities such as piped water, refuse collection and sewerage reticulation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

City Of Harare Allocates 56 Stands In Five Months

The City of Harare has warned residents to desist from tampering with water, road and stormwater drainage infrastructure.
The warning comes after some Warren Park residents blocked storm water drains to allow for water accumulation so that they would draw the water for gardening resulting in damage to infrastructure.
The water overflowed to nearby roads and homes and caused some precast walls to collapse. The City of Harare said in a statement:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare would like to advise residents not to temper with water, road and stormwater drainage infrastructure.
This follows an incident in Warren Park where some residents blocked storm water drains to allow for water accumulation so that they could harvest water for gardening purposes.
This resulted in water overflowing into nearby roads and houses affecting some houses in the suburb especially those of residents who have constructed boundary walls without allowance for weep holes which allow water to pass to the next drain.
Necessary measures have been taken to contain the situation.
</blockquote>
The local authority has apologised to the affected residents saying its workers were on the ground carrying out repairs.
Warren Park is a high-density suburb located in southwest Harare adjacent to Samora Machel Avenue (Bulawayo Road).
It borders Belvedere, Westwood, Westlea, Tynwald and Saint Andrews Park and is close to the National Heroes Acre, the National Sports Stadium, Warren Hills Golf Club, and the Museum Of African Liberation.
Warren Park was named after cousins Robert and Hebert Warren who emigrated to Zimbabwe from the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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