Zimbabwe Updates

Tag: City of Harare

  • Harare Mayor Mafume Says Budiriro Sewage Works Near Completion, Vows Improved Public Safety

    Harare Mayor Mafume Says Budiriro Sewage Works Near Completion, Vows Improved Public Safety

    Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume says the City of Harare is making steady progress in the rehabilitation of the Budiriro sewage system following a tragic incident that claimed three lives earlier this month.

    Speaking during a site inspection of the ongoing works, Mayor Mafume said the council moved in to urgently address the situation after the incident, and the project is now at an advanced stage with completion expected soon.

    Ongoing rehabilitation works in Budiriro as the City of Harare accelerates repairs on the sewage system following the recent tragedy. Officials say the project is now at an advanced stage and aimed at improving sanitation and public safety for residents.

    ALSO READ: Mayor orders immediate probe into deaths of 3 in Budiriro

    “We promised residents that we would act decisively, and we are fulfilling that commitment.

    The works are progressing well, and we are confident that the area will soon be fully restored,” said Mafume.

    He added that the rehabilitation programme is part of wider efforts by the city to improve sanitation infrastructure across high-density suburbs, stressing that maintaining a safe environment remains a top priority for the local authority.

    According to the mayor, the upgraded system will significantly improve wastewater management, reduce blockages, and minimize the risk of future accidents.

    “We want to assure the people of Budiriro and Harare at large that safety is our priority. These works are aimed at ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again. Once completed, this system will serve the community more efficiently and safely,” he said.

    Mayor Mafume also told Hurumende News Hub that the city is committed to completing the works within the expected timeframe and ensuring that residents begin to benefit from improved service delivery as soon as possible.

    He emphasized that the council is also strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.

    Present at the inspection were Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon. Albert Mavunga, Councillor Charles “Chicago” (Ward 30), Councillor Jane Bhingari (Ward 25 and Chairperson of the City of Harare Health and Disaster Committee), along with other senior council officials.

    The delegation toured the site to assess progress and evaluate the quality of ongoing rehabilitation works.

    Officials on site expressed cautious optimism over the pace of progress, noting that while significant work has been completed, final touches and system testing are still underway before full commissioning.

    The inspection comes in the wake of growing public concern following the fatal sewage incident in Budiriro, which exposed serious infrastructure challenges in some of the city’s high-density.

    Residents have since called for faster interventions and long-term solutions to prevent similar tragedies.

    City officials say continuous monitoring will be conducted after completion to ensure the system remains functional and safe for the community, while further upgrades across other suburbs are also being considered as part of broader urban renewal efforts.

  • Mayor orders immediate probe into deaths of 3 in Budiriro

    Mayor orders immediate probe into deaths of 3 in Budiriro

    Itai Mazire

    Following reports that a Harare male resident had drowned in a mud hole at the site of massive sewer works being conducted by the City of Harare, emergency services teams ended up retrieving three bodies.

    Authorities had been informed that a man walking home had fallen into the mud hole but the sub aqua team led by Victor Kazembe (Coach Rambo) working with the City of Harare Fire Brigade retrieved the body of a young female who had gone missing earlier yesterday evening.

    Kazembe then brought up a second body, a male but again it turned out this was not the person the rescue teams were initially looking for.

    He then retrieved the third body of the young man who had been reported to have fallen into the mud pool.

    Police and other agencies are carrying investigations and details will be released as investigations continue.

    Volunteer Group, ConCERT were at the scene assisting with coordination together with the Fire Brigade. Deputy Mayor Rose Muronda, disaster risk management chairperson Cllr Jane Bhingari and Cllr’s Pedzesai and Dzinomurumbi were also helping out at the scene until the early hours of today.

    His Worship the Mayor Cllr Jacob Mafume has ordered an immediate probe into the deaths of the three saying he wants answers in the next few hours.

    The City of Harare extends its condolences to the families of the three. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this very difficult time.

  • City of Harare Dismisses Viral Land Demolition Report as Draft Document

    City of Harare Dismisses Viral Land Demolition Report as Draft Document

    Alijones Masanjala

    The City of Harare has sought to clear up confusion surrounding land administration issues after a document titled “Report on Regularisation and Demolitions of Illegal Structures in Harare” began circulating widely on social media.

    In a public notice, the local authority stressed that the document is not an approved policy, but rather an internal draft that was still under consideration.

    “The report was never intended for public release at this stage and that its circulation has created unnecessary concern among residents,” the council said.

    According to the council, the document was prepared as a working paper to assist in developing lawful regulatory and enforcement measures. However, officials emphasised that it does not represent the city’s final position on the matter.

    “The clarification is consistent with a statement it issued on 15 May 2025, when the same document was previously shared in the public domain,” the council stated.

    The council reiterated that any future verification, regularisation, or enforcement exercises will be carried out in line with government policy, the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, and all applicable legal procedures.

    Residents were also warned against participating in unlawful land-related activities, including settling on state or council land without authorization or purchasing land from individuals who do not have the legal authority to sell it.

    To ensure access to accurate information, the City of Harare urged members of the public to rely on official communication channels.

    Those seeking clarification on land issues have been encouraged to contact the Housing Director’s office, the Director of Planning, or their nearest district office for guidance and assistance.