CHRA implores govt to ensure restoration of basic public services in Harare

People walk past a money-changers sign at a market in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 26, 2020. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) implores the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure that restoration of basic public services in Harare is a central priority of the 2027 National Budget.

Aa residents, we need assurance that our submissions will translate into concrete budgetary allocations and measurable improvements.

Harare residents continue to face serious challenges in accessing reliable and affordable water, functional roads, efficient waste collection, adequate sewerage systems, public health services and properly maintained community infrastructure.

We demand restoration of effective service delivery and we reiterate that water and sanitation must be a national priority.

The persistent water crisis in Harare requires urgent and sustained investment.

We call for a dedicated national allocation towards the rehabilitation and expansion of Harare’s water and sewer infrastructure, including water treatment capacity, distribution networks, pumping infrastructure, reservoirs and sewerage systems.

Government must work with the City of Harare to ensure that investments in water infrastructure are transparent, properly monitored and directed towards areas experiencing the greatest shortages.

Roads and public infrastructure

Harare’s deteriorating road network requires urgent attention.

We therefore call for increased and clearly defined funding for the rehabilitation and maintenance of urban roads, bridges, drainage systems and other public infrastructure.

Such funding should be accompanied by clear project timelines, public disclosure of expenditure and mechanisms allowing residents to monitor implementation.

Waste management and environmental protection

CHRA reiterates that the 2027 National Budget should support sustainable waste collection, disposal, recycling and environmental management systems in Harare.

Particular attention must be given to illegal dumping, blocked drainage systems and the protection of wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas from unsustainable development.

Public Health Services

Prioritisation of public health services is key and CHRA reiterates rgar the National Health Insurance must be a top priority.

Strengthening local government financing

CHRA believes that sustainable service delivery requires financially viable and accountable local authorities.
The national budget should therefore strengthen predictable and transparent fiscal transfers to local authorities while protecting local government revenues from unnecessary interference.
Government must also ensure that local authorities have the capacity to invest in infrastructure rather than spending an excessive proportion of their resources on recurrent expenditure.
At the same time, local authorities must be held accountable for how public resources are collected and spent.

Residents must have a meaningful voice
Budget consultations should not become a box-ticking exercise.

Our submissions must be reflected in final budget allocations, with clear feedback from Government on which proposals have been accepted, rejected or modified.
We further call for stronger participatory budgeting mechanisms at ward and city level, enabling residents to help determine development priorities in their communities.