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The Harare City Council (HCC) has expressed its condolences to the families of<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/02/16/tragic-incident-four-minors-found-dead-in-a-car-in-harare/"> four children who were found dead in a car</a> in Hopely Zone 1 on February 15, 2024. The children were identified as Allen Busiri (3), Anotidaishe Mutize (4), Ashley Matowe (3), and Kudzaishe Tsuro (3). The police discovered their lifeless bodies in a non-functional vehicle with tinted windows at 7:00 p.m.
The Mayor, Councillors, Town Clerk, Management, and staff of the HCC shared their deepest sympathies with the bereaved families. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the local government authority said:
<blockquote>
The Mayor Cllr Jacob Mafume, Councillors, Town Clerk, Management &amp; staff would like to express their deepest condolences to the families of the four children Allen Busiri (3), Anotidaishe Mutize (4), Ashley Matowe (3) and Kudzaishe Tsuro (3) who died on 15th of February 2024. 
  
May their souls rest in eternal peace. In response to the tragedy, the Mayor said the City will provide free graves for the 4 toddlers and four coffins through HMMAS. The City also provided firewood and part of the food to be consumed at the funeral.
</blockquote>
Councillor Everjoice Kamusikiri of Ward 35 Harare South stated that the funeral would be held at a single location to ensure proper logistical coordination, given that the children were friends and relatives.
According to the police, the four children entered a parked Black Toyota Chaser motor vehicle with a non-functional engine. They closed the rear passenger door, which had tinted windows. The vehicle was parked at a Hopely Zone 1, Harare residence, from noon until 7:00 p.m.
Tragically, the children suffocated inside the vehicle, and their lifeless bodies were discovered at 7:00 p.m.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Harare City Consoles Families Of Four Children Found Dead In A Car

The Harare City Council (HCC) has allocated US$216 million from its 2024 budget to address water challenges and improve service provision in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. The capital city of Zimbabwe has been facing severe water shortages for many years, with some wards and districts going without stable and safe drinking water for extended periods.
In his New Year message, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume announced that the allocated funds will be used for key projects aimed at bridging the water supply gaps. One of the major projects includes the rehabilitation of water treatment plants and the distribution network. This will involve refurbishment at Morton Jaffray, including the rehabilitation of 14 filters and the replacement of 3 pumps, to improve water production and pumping capacity. Once complete, this is expected to increase water production from the current average of 280 litres per day to 450 megaliters per day.
Mafume said the local government authority also plans to implement interventions in the distribution network, such as pipe replacement and the installation of 2000 commercial and 40,000 domestic prepaid water meters. He said:
<blockquote>
This will result in reduction of non-revenue water by 2% from 60% to 58%. These metering interventions are expected to improve revenue collection efficiency to 60% from the current 40% attributed to the targeted consumers. Protect the vulnerable groups of the society.
We are hopeful that in 2024 we will reach 450 megalitres of water production per day. Although this is not adequate to supply the citizens of Harare, it will at least improve on the coverage aspect which has remained limited.
</blockquote>
Harare has been grappling with water shortages for over a decade due to financial, operational, and management challenges faced by the local authority. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare City Council Has Allocated US$216 million From Its 2024 Budget To Address Water Challenges

Recently re-elected Harare mayor Jacob Mafume (JM) has said the local government authority was working on measures to ensure that the cost of houses comes down to US$5000 to make them affordable for low-income earners to build their own homes. During an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021435/our-plan-is-to-stabilise-harare-mafume">NewsDay</a> reporter Sharon Buwerimwe to discuss his plans after bouncing back into the office, Mafume discussed his plans to address the issue of settlements and provide affordable housing options.
Mafume acknowledged the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/22/disasters-15-houses-in-budiriro-partially-submerged-in-water-girl-missing/">recent incidents of flooding</a> in areas like Budiriro 4 Paddock and Kuwadzana Extension. The Zimbabwe Republic Police announced last week that 15 houses were partially submerged in water in Budiriro after recent heavy rains leaving several people stranded and a six-year-old girl missing.
When asked what the local government authority was planning to do about the settlement issue, Mafume emphasized that housing is a problem that needs to be addressed at both the city and national levels. He said:
<blockquote>
We are also addressing the issue of settlements. We know there are floods, people are living in areas where they are not supposed to be living. I also visited Budiriro to see the houses. Housing is a city problem and a national problem.
We need to find a solution around housing. Firstly, we need to deal with the approval of our houses. What we define as a house is now a colonial structure.
We need to change our materials, we need to reduce the cost for someone building a house so that they don’t stay in shacks.
So we are going to ask our planning department to experiment with new methodologies — panel building, a house needs to cost less than US$5 000 for it to be a low-cost housing.
We need to put up a house with very limited amounts of money and I think technology has improved the extent that we can build a decent low-cost house.
Our country does not experience earthquakes, does not have instability, therefore, there is really no need of building some of these monuments to nothing.
</blockquote>
Every year, more than 50 families in Budiriro face floods because their houses are built in wetlands. The majority of wetlands invaders just construct houses without permission while some buy land from landbarons who are also not authorised to sell it by the local government. As a result, thousands of people have lost their homes over the years when the authorities demolished their structures. Sadly, they are not compensated or given new land. Urban and semi-urban areas suffer from a severe housing shortage due to the influx of people moving to cities. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

A House Needs To Cost Less Than US$5 000 - Mafume On Housing Options

The Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, yesterday provided an update on the cholera outbreak to the Cabinet. He said as of 30 November 2023, Zimbabwe had recorded a total of 9,895 suspected cholera cases, with 9,466 recoveries and 53 confirmed deaths.
Mombeshora stated that during the period from 24 to 30 November, the highest number of cases, 607, was reported in Harare Metropolitan Province. However, this represents a decrease of 98 cases compared to the previous week. Similar slight decreases were observed in Mutare Rural and Buhera Districts in Manicaland Province.
The case fatality rate has decreased to 2.2%. The Minister attributed the decrease in cases and the case fatality rate to targeted interventions in the three main affected areas.
He said efforts are being made to bring healthcare services closer to communities by setting up Oral Rehydration Points manned by community health promoters. Training programs on case management and rapid response are also ongoing.
Mombeshora added that health education campaigns on cholera prevention and control, including hygiene promotion, are being conducted in all provinces of the country. In addition to the ongoing measures, the Cabinet has highlighted the following additional actions:
<blockquote>
1. Increasing health education on cholera and other diarrheal diseases in schools.
2. Improving water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in communities.
3. Continuing to intensify risk communication and community engagement, with the involvement of religious and local leaders in the fight against cholera.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the City of Harare Communications Division has been actively raising awareness about cholera in different areas, including Mbare. The local government authority says residents have shown their willingness to support the city’s efforts in fighting cholera. The city health department has also informed residents that cholera treatment is provided free of charge at all council clinics.
The local government authority also received a donation of sanitisers from Cairde Hygenics to be used in the fight against cholera. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Health Minister Gives An Update On Cholera Outbreak

The Harare City Council (HCC) has provided an update on the growing number of cholera cases in the city and the ongoing water problems. According to the local government authority’s statement seen by Pindula News, the cases of cholera in Harare are increasing. As of 23rd November 2023, there have been 150 confirmed cases and 15 deaths in Harare. The statement read in part:
<blockquote>
The most affected areas are Kuwadzana, Glen View, Glen Norah and Budiriro. The following have been identified as factors contributing to the spread of cholera:
1. Drinking of untreated borehole water
2. Drinking untreated well water
3. Attending and eating at gatherings
4. Attending gatherings and shaking hands
5. Presence of burst sewers in the communities
6. Consumption of cooked food from unlicensed vendors
</blockquote>
The Harare City Council has suggested some recommendations to address the cholera outbreak. They are urging everyone to work together to prevent more people from getting infected and dying from cholera. They are also asking people to report any suspected cases of cholera. It is important for everyone to cooperate and take action to stop the spread of the disease. We present the recommendations below:
<blockquote>
a. seek early treatment to prevent death. Treatment is free at all council clinics.
b. Avoid gatherings.
c. Treat all borehole and well water with water guard or aquatabs before drinking
d. Avoid food from unlicensed vendors
e. Report any suspected cholera case or death at the nearest clinic.
</blockquote>
Some individuals who read the statement expressed their disappointment, stating that they feel the local government authority is not taking the disease seriously.
The local government authority acknowledges that water is a major factor contributing to the cholera outbreak. However, they have been unable to effectively address the long-standing water problems faced by the city. In a recent update on the water situation, the city authorities admitted that certain areas in the city have been without access to water. Read the update:
<blockquote>
There was a serious burst on our internal reticulation network at Prince Edward yesterday (Wednesday) at 2200hrs. As a result of this, the plant was shut down as chemicals could not be prepared.
This shutdown has negatively affected water supply to the southern suburbs.
Work to repair the pipe is ongoing and normal operations are expected to resume anytime soon.
The affected areas include R.G. Mugabe International Airport, Cranborne, and Hatfield, parts of Chitungwiza, Mbare, Sunningdale and Graniteside.
Most areas in the southwestern suburbs including Glen Norah, Glen View, Kuwadzana and Rydle Ridge are accessing water except for Budiriro which is currently not accessing water.
The north-western suburbs including Tynwald, Bloomingdale and Dzivaresekwa are not accessing water.
Water supply to the northern suburbs including Hatcliffe, Borrowdale, Mt. Pleasant, Hogerty Hill and Helensvale is yet to be restored. 
Other areas in the zone like Vainona, Gunhill and New Alex are now accessing water.
The CBD and surrounding are accessing water.
The eastern suburbs of Greendale, Mandara, Mabvuku, Tafara, Zimre Park and Epworth are currently not accessing water.
</blockquote>
On the 23rd of November 2023, Harare was only able to supply 411 megaliters of water, even though the daily demand is over 1,200 megaliters per day. The water infrastructure in Harare was originally built in 1953 to support a population of 300,000. However, the city now has around 7 million people during the day and approximately 2 million at night.
Harare’s Deputy Mayor, Kudzai Kadzombe, recently stated that the city is unable to provide the required 1.2 million megaliters of water to ensure that every household has access to running water. She mentioned that the only solution is to look for other sources of water, such as the Kunzvi Dam. She told <a href="https://shecorrespondsafrica.com/harare-residents-resort-to-unsafe-water-sources-as-the-cholera-epidemic-rages-on/#:~:text=Council%20not%20able%20to%20meet%20the%20city's%20water%20demand&amp;text=This%20falls%20far%20short%20of,approximately%20two%20million%20at%20night.">She Corresponds Africa</a>:
<blockquote>
The Government of Zimbabwe is the one which is supposed to provide new sources of water such as Kunzvi Dam under the President’s office not through Harare City Council.
</blockquote>
In addition to the water shortage problem, it has been discovered through tests that the water provided to people’s homes by the local authority in Harare does not meet the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, when the water comes out of the tap, it appears greenish in colour. Tests have shown that the water from boreholes in many neighbourhoods, both low-density and high-density areas, is contaminated. Water from unprotected sources such as shallow wells is also unsafe to drink. This contamination is believed to be the cause of the recurring cholera cases in the city. Due to these issues, many people in Harare are relying on private boreholes and wells in their homes to ensure they have access to safe and clean water for sanitation purposes.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare Gives Update On Growing Number Of Cholera Cases And Ongoing Water Problems

The Harare City Council (HCC) has announced a state of emergency due to the increasing spread of cholera in the city. The Mayor, Councillor Ian Makone, and the City Director of Health, Dr Prosper Chonzi, recently held meetings with residents’ associations to address the situation.
During the meetings, Dr Chonzi stressed the importance of collaboration between residents and the City in order to effectively combat and control the disease. Said the local government authority:
<blockquote>
So far we have 1000 suspected cases in Harare and 100 confirmed cases. Unfortunately, 10 people have succumbed to the disease and there is a need for the residents to be very alert. As council we are treating this as an emergency and every department is working 24/7 to fight the disease.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/16/zimbabwean-minister-asks-churches-to-pray-for-the-cholera-outbreak-to-end/">Zimbabwe is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak</a>, and the lack of clean water and poor sanitation are identified as major factors contributing to the spread of the disease. Harare, the capital city, has been heavily impacted, with certain suburbs experiencing long-term water shortages. However, some progress has been made in restoring water supplies to certain areas. Suburbs like Budiriro, Glen Norah, Glen View, Kuwadzana, and Rydle Ridge have had their water supplies restored, but other areas, including Tynwald, Bloomingdale, Bluff Hill, Dzivaresekwa, Hatcliffe, Borrowdale, Mt. Pleasant, and Hogerty Hill, continue to face water shortages.
The southern suburbs, supplied by Prince Edward, have access to water, including areas like Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Cranborne, Hatfield, parts of Chitungwiza, Mbare, Sunningdale, and Graniteside, according to Harare City Council. The central business district and its surrounding areas also have access to water. However, the eastern suburbs, such as Greendale, Mandara, Mabvuku, Tafara, Zimre Park, and Epworth, are severely affected due to reduced production levels and erratic power supply at the Letombo pump station. Power supply disruptions are also impacting water supplies to the north-eastern suburbs.
Harare residents need 800 million litres (megalitres) of water per day. Unfortunately, the city’s current water capacity is only around 494 megalitres. Water controls transmit as follows: Morton Jaffray to Warren Control (144 megalitres), from Morton Jaffray to Lochinvar/Marimba reservoirs (91 megalitres), from Morton Jaffray to Norton (61.94 megalitres), from Warren Control to Alexandra Park (120 megalitres), from Warren Control to Letombo (22 megalitres), from Prince Edward to Letombo (40.252 megalitres), and from Prince Edward to Chitungwiza (13.748 megalitres). However, due to leaks and pipe bursts in the water distribution system, some of the water gets lost before it reaches its intended destination.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare Announces A State Of Emergency As Cholera Spreads In The City

The Harare City Council is blaming building owners for the influx of tuckshops in the central business district (CBD). The local government authority says business owners are illegally renting their buildings out to foreigners.
Street vendors and tuckshop traders are thriving, posing a threat to traditional supermarkets. The retail space is now dominated by foreigners, including Indians, Chinese, Pakistanis, Nigerians, Malawians, and Tanzanians.
The HCC small to medium enterprises committee chairperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Denford_Ngadziore/">Denford Ngadziore</a> said the city fathers have an SME policy which has not been followed. He told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200017849/inside-supermarkets-tuckshops-war">NewsDay</a>:
<blockquote>
We know that most tuckshops are operated by foreigners which is against the law. Council has no power to come between business partners but building owners are renting out their buildings to foreigners who in turn convert them to retail shops.
</blockquote>
The influx of tuckshops has led to lower prices and increased competition, benefiting consumers. Tuckshops can offer lower prices due to lower overhead costs, sourcing products directly from wholesalers, and flexible pricing. However, big supermarket operators complain of unfair competition, citing tax evasion and informal trading practices.
Finance Secretary <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/George_Guvamatanga/">George Guvamatanga</a> questioned the validity of big retailers’ complaints about being unable to compete with tuckshops. He pointed out that tuckshops pay higher rentals, operate with cash purchases, and lack access to cheaper foreign currency, suggesting other factors may be affecting formal retailers.
Renowned economist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gift_Mugano/">Gift Mugano</a> responded to Guvamatanga’s remarks and acknowledged that supermarkets have legitimate concerns. He attributed the high prices of goods in supermarkets to the exchange rate disparities between formal and parallel markets. Mugano said:
<blockquote>
Your ministry liberalised the imports for about 11 products. These commodities are coming through duty free and VAT-free. Tuckshops are importing these commodities, whilst our supermarkets procure the very same commodities locally — a position that is economically and morally sound aimed at fostering job creation and local content.
</blockquote>
Mugano also highlighted the compliance burdens faced by formal businesses, including taxes, levies, rentals, and salary payments. He emphasised that exchange rate fluctuations and inflation have negatively impacted formal businesses’ capital and cash flows. While the informal sector can sell in US dollars, formal businesses must comply with the law, which Mugano believes is appropriate.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare City Council Accuses Building Owners Of Illegally Renting Tuckshops To Foreigners

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare_City_Council/">Harare City Council</a>‘s acting human capital director, Matthew Marara, has received a compensation of US$329,000 for the period he was on suspension over corruption charges. Marara, who was the city’s housing director, was suspended in 2020 alongside other HCC officials.
Harare City Council (HCC) deputy mayor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudzai_Kadzombe/">Kudzai Kadzombe</a> confirmed the development but couldn’t confirm the exact amount paid. She told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200017784/us329k-compensation-deal-for-harare-director">NewsDay</a>:
<blockquote>
Unlike other managers, he was on suspension for almost three years without his dues. When he returned to work his dues were calculated, but, I am not aware of the amount (he was paid). But we don’t pay in foreign currency at Harare City Council. Our employees only get a US$50 component. So, getting US$ 329,000, I am not aware of that figure. 
</blockquote>
Sources claim that there was no council resolution for the compensation, as the local authority is struggling to pay its workers. Said an anonymous source:
<blockquote>
Marara was awarded about US$329 000 for the almost three years he was on suspension, but the issue is that he had resigned through an email so he was not supposed to get that money.
</blockquote>
Matthew Marara, the former housing director of Harare City Council, was suspended in 2020 due to corruption allegations related to residential stands. He was suspended along with other HCC officials, including Edgar Dzehonye and Tonderai Mukora from the Survey Section.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Former Director At Harare City Council Receives US$329,000 Compensation For Suspension

The City of Harare has temporarily closed its water treatment plant due to a phenomenon called “lake turn” at Lake Chivero. The local government authority explained that the “lake turn” occurred as a result of a sudden weather change on the night of September 12, 2023. According to a statement seen by Pindula News, the city officials said this phenomenon causes warm water from the bottom of the lake to rise to the top, where water for treatment is obtained. Consequently, the water being abstracted for treatment is contaminated. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>URGENT NOTICE</h3>
The City of Harare wishes to advise that due to the sudden weather change that happened last night (12 September 2023) the water supply dam, Lake Chivero, experienced a “lake turn” phenomenon.
This happens when warm water at the bottom of the lake, rises to the top of the water body where water for treatment is abstracted.
This phenomenon brings the dirty water to abstraction point (the level where water is drawn from the lake to the treatment works for treatment).
The City has had to shut down the plant to allow for adjustment of abstraction levels to draw better quality raw water for treatment.
The shutdown has resulted in water supply shortages to the whole City. Water supply is expected to be restored by 1800hrs today, 13 September 2023.
Residents are therefore encouraged to use available water sparingly as works are being carried out.
TOWN CLERK
</blockquote>
Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, has for years faced significant water challenges with some suburbs going for years without water. The city’s water supply system is struggling to meet the growing demand due to various factors. These challenges include ageing infrastructure, limited investment in water infrastructure development, and prolonged drought periods affecting water sources. As a result, residents are experiencing frequent water shortages and irregular supply. Analysts say the situation remains a pressing concern, requiring sustainable solutions to ensure adequate and reliable water supply for the residents of Harare.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare Closed Water Treatment Plant After A "Lake Turn" Phenomenon At Lake Chivero

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Harare has a total of 59 councillors who were elected through a proper process. Among these councillors, 5 belong to the ZANU PF party, while the CCC party has 40 councillors representing them.
Out of the total number of councillors, 14 of them were appointed through the women quota system. Among these 14, 4 councillors are from the ZANU PF party, and the remaining 10 councillors are from the CCC party.
Here is the list of duly elected Harare councillors as of 23rd August 2023, along with the respective wards they represent:
</div>
</div>
<div dir="auto">1. Temany Utete (M) 
2. Blessing Muroyiwa (M) 
3. Simbarashe Chanachimwe (M) 
4. Maburutse Boniface Kundai (M) 
5. Samuel Gwenzi (M) 
6. Zodiac Duri (M) 
7. Rosemary Muronda (F) 
8. Knowledge Mutapaire (M) 
9. Prince Mutebuka (M) 
10. Clayd Mashozhera (M) 
11. Felix Chabuda (M) 
12. Simon Manzanga (M) 
13. Chipo Betty Suka (F) 
14. Costa Mande (M) 
15. Tafadzwa Machirori (M) 
16. Denford Ngadziore (M) 
17. Happymore Gotora (M) 
18. Ian Muteto Makone (M) 
19. Jacob Mafume (M)</div>
<div dir="auto">20. Mercy Kasvosve (F) 
21. Alexio Nyakudya (M) 
22. Clemence Maimba (M) 
23. Stanley Manasi Manyenga (M) 
24. Lovemore Makuwerere (M) 
25. Jane Bhingari (F) 
26. Maxwell Dutuma (M) 
27. Womberaiishe Tirivangani Nhende (M) 
28. George Mujajati (M) 
29. Blessing Duma (M) 
30. Charles Chidagu (M) 
31. Joshua Pedzisai (M) 
32. Gaudencia Marera (F) 
33. Emmanuel Dzinomurumbi (M) 
34. Simon Mapanzure (M) 
35. Ever Joyce Kamusikiri (F)</div>
<div dir="auto">36. Lovejoy Chitengu (M) 
37. Richard Pamire (M) 
38. Rayrnond Mubaiwa Jakopo (M) 
39. Stephen Dhliwayo (M) 
40. Knowledge Bote (M) 
41. Kudzai Kadzombe (M) 
42. Elvis Ruzani (M) 
43. Austin Munamba (M) 
44. Adonia Shoko (M) 
45. Jubilation C Shoko (F)</div>
<div dir="auto"> </div>
<div dir="auto">Women Quota</div>
<div dir="auto">– Cecilia Revai Chimbiri (F) 
– Takudzwa Dzumbunu (F) 
– Moud Chinyerere (F) 
– Wendy Chengetai Muzuva (F) 
– Tiriboyi Sabina (F) 
– Mirriam Chirimuta (F) 
– Florence Cheza (F) 
– Chido Hamauswa (F) 
– Fadzai Mutasa (F) 
– Fadzai Matimba (F) 
– Charlotte Sabina Mukarati (F) 
– Teresa Taguma Tomasi (F) 
– Susan Chuma (F) 
– Winnet Nzou (F)</div>
<h3 dir="auto"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

FULL LIST: Harare's 59 Councillors And Their Wards

Harare residents have expressed concern over the water challenges in the city and warned that Harare is at risk of another cholera outbreak as the water situation has reached a crisis level, with many suburbs going without water for over a week.
The director of the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), Reuben Akili, emphasized that the water crisis is particularly worrisome as the hot season, known for water challenges and waterborne diseases, approaches. He said:
<blockquote>
In our view, the issue of water crisis which is happening when we are getting into the hot season which is characterised by water challenges and waterborne diseases is worrisome.
</blockquote>
Hardlife Mudzingwa, the director of the Community Water Alliance, accused the authorities of only treating the symptoms of the problem instead of addressing the root cause. Mudzingwa said:
<blockquote>
Despite cholera cases in Harare, the priority of the government from national tier to lowest tier (local authority) has been on treating symptoms of the problem rather than addressing the root cause.
</blockquote>
Precious Shumba, the director of the Harare Residents Trust (HRT), criticized the local authority for failing the residents and expressed concerns that primitive disease outbreaks would persist if service delivery and attitudes remained unchanged. He said:
<blockquote>
Primitive disease outbreaks will be with us for a long time as long as the attitude and level of service delivery remains as it is. We fear that the approaching rainy season will worsen the situation for residents.
</blockquote>
Rudo Chikodzore, the director for epidemiology and disease control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, stated that they had a strategy in place to save lives, which had been successful in reducing the case fatality rate in Harare province during the recent cholera outbreak. Chikodzore said:
<blockquote>
This has been successful in Harare province as seen by a low case fatality rate of 0,4% for the metropolitan province despite a high number of cholera cases in the just ended cholera outbreak.
</blockquote>
This year, the cholera outbreak initially started in Chegutu in February and then spread across the country, with Harare reporting 1,616 suspected cases so far.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare Residents Warn Of Cholera Risk Due To Water Challenges And Shortages

People in Harare are complaining about the very high fees for shop licenses, which businesses find too expensive. When applying for a license, there is a US$72 fee for inspection. If the inspection goes well, businesses then pay the actual license fee which varies depending on the desired category. On average, it amounts to approximately US$1000.
Simba Nyamadzawo, the founder of Infinite Inspiration Group (IIG), a Harare-based Leadership &amp; Motivation Company, believes that the fees are excessive, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited financial resources. He wrote an open letter to Harare Mayor advocate Jacob Mafume:
<blockquote>
Your worship @JMafume the shop license fees for @cohsunshinecity are exorbitant. What’s your take on that and can they be reviewed downwards. Alternatively could you break them down to allow quarterly payments. Tinzweiwo Mambo.
</blockquote>
Many people agreed with his views and called on the Harare City Council (HCC) to reconsider the excessively high license fees, which they believe are severely harming businesses.
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Mayor Jacob Mafume responded to the appeal stating that the local government authority will take the suggestions into account during the next budgetary planning. He said:
<blockquote>
We are doing the budget for this year soon after the elections. We had hoped to dollarise so that they can be set at 2010 levels which people were comfortable with but that was shot down.We will look into quarterly payments as you suggest .
</blockquote>
The Mayor has made previous promises to initiate a review. Specifically, in March of this year, the Mayor stated that the city officials should reevaluate the fees associated with licensing. He said:
<blockquote>
A lot of people are complaining. If you move from a premise, you can’t move with your licence. You have to pay again. Even if you do renovations. We also need to look at our licensing payment methods. We might need to introduce a quarterly payment system so that people can lessen the burden of paying and we might need a reduction in the quantum. I got a call from the Hairdressers Association. They wrote a letter complaining about the fees which means it’s a serious issue. Something went wrong when we were preparing the budget because almost everything went up.
</blockquote>
Mafume further stated that they had directed the finance committee of the council to thoroughly examine and revise the license fees. This decision was prompted by grievances expressed by business operators in Harare following a significant increase of over 1,000% in shop license fees. Harare had raised the fees for non-factory shops and food purveyors to over ZWL$1 million, a substantial jump from the previous average of ZWL$200,000.
<div class="in_article">
Due to the fee increase, numerous business owners have expressed their intention to potentially shut down their shops and relocate from the central business district. Noted a business operator, Mr Chris Manguni:
<blockquote>
We are on the verge of closing shop because we are failing to pay the shop license fees. Our plea is that the responsible authorities review downwards the operator’s fees or else we are left with no option, but to close our shops which are sustaining a lot of families. 
</blockquote>
In January this year, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/ninety-two-council-budgets-approved/">approved ninety-two budgets</a> for 2023 presented by local authorities, with four being rejected for various reasons.
A number of small to medium enterprise businesspersons <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/businesses-in-harare-challenge-licence-fee-hike/">signed a petition</a> against the increase saying they were not consulted on issues of city budgets. One businesswoman operating hair salons in the capital said her licence fee went up from US$400 to US$640.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>
</div>

Outcry Over Very High Shop License Fees In Harare

A legal battle has erupted between Alexandra Park residents, Harare City Council, and a fuel company over the construction of a petrol station without proper public consultations. The residents claim that the required public participation was not carried out, as the site is close to residential areas.
They have initiated legal action to nullify the development and are seeking an urgent court order to halt construction until a decision is reached. The petrol filling station was constructed at the junction of Swan Drive and Churchill Avenue. The development is also set to effect substantial changes to both Swan Drive and Borrowdale Road.
Last week, residents initiated a class action in the High Court to prevent the establishment of a pump station and fast food outlet by Redan Kerosene (Pvt) Ltd. The suit includes Redan, Mr. Mark Campbell Hounsell, the City of Harare, and town planner Mr. Mudzengerere. Residents expressed concerns about the adverse impact the fuel station would have on the locality.
Mrs. Elena Gonye, representing the residents, stated that they objected to the development, citing its contradiction to the existing development in the area and its detrimental effects on the local community. Mrs Gonye stated in her founding affidavit:
<blockquote>
Applicants submit that a petrol station and fast food restaurant would seriously impact on the residential suburb in terms of increased traffic, intolerable noise pollution, contamination of underground water and would pose a deadly health hazard to residents who would live in close proximity to the fuel.
In addition, the changes to the public road would lead to a lethal traffic chaos in the area and would need to be fully investigated by experts in the road traffic department.
</blockquote>
The residents say despite multiple attempts through their legal counsel, they have failed to obtain a copy of the physical document approving the works from the council’s Mount Pleasant office. They argue that they have fulfilled all legal requirements in pursuing their objections but have faced silence from the council.
The residents accuse council officials of facilitating the development and violating regulations for commercial enterprises in the suburb. If a permit has been granted, the residents demand a review based on bias, procedural incompetence, and invalidity, with a call for nullification. Meanwhile, the residents have urgently applied for an interim order to halt construction until the dispute is resolved, citing allegations that Redan and Mr. Hounsell have proceeded without following proper procedures. They seek the court’s prompt attention to the matter.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare Residents Take Council To Court Over Service Station Constructed Without Public Consultation

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has announced that the local authority will launch an investigation into how some of its assets were included in the portfolio of West Properties, a company listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), with the council’s approval.
West Properties, previously known as Augur Investments, generated controversy <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/03/29/west-properties-zimbabwe-announces-listing-on-victoria-falls-stock-exchange/">when it listed on the VFEX in April</a> due to ongoing court cases. Augur Investments had acquired vast tracts of land from the Harare City Council (HCC) as partial payment for an unfinished project involving the Harare Airport Road. Augur formed a joint venture with the council called Sunshine Property Development, which was granted significant land in Harare. However, the properties are now listed on the VFEX without the involvement or knowledge of the local authority.
According to the joint venture agreement, Augur controls 70% of the shares and was responsible for providing capital for Sunshine’s projects, while the council was to provide land and retain a 30% shareholding.
Mayor Mafume expressed concern that the council had not been informed about the inclusion of Sunshine assets in West Properties’ portfolio. He emphasized that such matters should have been discussed by council committees and brought to the attention of the full council. Mafume indicated that he would request the town clerk to assess whether the council’s interests were being protected in the Sunshine deal. If not, the council would seek legal advice to safeguard its interests and those of the residents. Mafume stated:
<blockquote>
As we speak, this has not been discussed by any of our committees.
This is something that council had to be informed of because those properties are still the properties of council.
We have a stake in Sunshine and there are many condition precedents that have to be fulfilled before anything happens and we certainly will ask the town clerk and our representatives in those boards to see whether they is communications that come to council and have not been brought to the attention of the full council.
If not, we will then be taking advice from our legal practitioners as to how we can protect the interest of the council and the residents.
We are not aware, we certainly did not seek the endorsement o the council.
We have processes under the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency that we have to follow.
There are quite a number of hurdles that a public entity has to cross over and most importantly, we have to consult the residents as to whether they want to be tied up in such a setup.
Certainly, I would have expected the representatives in the (Sunshine) board to have informed us.
It is a subsidiary duty as councillors to protect the interest of council and we will embrace all the options that we have as a council to defend the interest of council.
Should the advice lead us in that (VFSE listing) we will exercise all options as advised by our legal practitioners, and chamber secretary department to make sure that the interest of residents is not entangled in areas that will not add value to the residents nor interests where they that have not been consulted.
</blockquote>
Last month, the council declined to address questions related to the transfer of land to Augur Investments in the Sunshine deal, citing ongoing court cases. However, it was later revealed that there were no active court cases involving Sunshine. The inquiries sought to clarify the establishment of the joint venture and the circumstances surrounding it in 2007.
In March, West Properties published a prospectus for listing on the VFEX, including Warren Hills Property and other properties owned by Sunshine in its property portfolio, subsequently listing them on the US dollar-denominated bourse. The company CEO is <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ken_Sharpe">Kenneth Sharpe,</a> a local businessman popularly known as Ken Sharpe.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare Mayor: Council Is Investigating Assets Included In West Properties' VFEX Portfolio

The Finance Ministry Secretary, George Guvamatanga, has blocked a move by the Harare City Council (HCC) to start billing its clients in US dollars. The council had recently announced that it would begin charging its services in foreign currency from July 1, 2023, to preserve value for money and hedge against inflation. The council said:
<blockquote>
The need to preserve value against rate losses has necessitated this move. City of Harare thanks its valued residents for the support in funding service delivery through payment of rates and other services.
</blockquote>
However, Guvamatanga has described the proposal as unlawful, stating that it violates Statutory Instrument (SI) 142 of 2019. The SI prohibits the use of foreign currency for domestic transactions, except if provided for by the law or if exempted in terms of the Exchange Control Regulations. He further explained that any person with free funds may elect to pay for goods and services chargeable in Zimbabwe dollars, in foreign currency using their free funds at the ruling rate on the date of payment. Guvamatanga has ordered the HCC to withdraw its notice and comply with relevant laws. He said:
<blockquote>
Under this, in March 2020, the government published SI 85 of 2020 which, in section 2(2) provides that any person with free funds may elect to pay for goods and services chargeable in Zimbabwe dollars, in foreign currency using his or her free funds at the ruling rate on the date of payment.
The payment, in foreign currency by any person paying for goods and services should be at his/her option unless otherwise exempted and cannot be compelled to pay in foreign currency.
The charging and billing in US dollar by the City of Harare or any local authority is unlawful and contravenes the above-cited laws. As the city council falls under your purview, may you ensure that the City of Harare withdraws its notice and all local authorities comply with relevant laws. Be guided accordingly.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe dollar has seen a major decline in recent months due to inflation, foreign currency shortages, and a lack of trust in the government’s economic policies. This has negatively impacted the population’s purchasing power and access to essential goods and services. Some businesses have refused to accept the local currency due to its volatility. The government has attempted to stabilize the economy and currency, but with limited success thus far.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Finance Ministry Has Blocked Harare City Council From Billing In US Dollars

The Harare City Council (HCC) has issued a press statement expressing concern over the illegal land invasions taking place in several suburbs within the City of Harare. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the city fathers said the land barons involved in these activities are fabricating allocation letters, receipts and diagrams to deceive unsuspecting home seekers, and forcing them to erect illegal structures overnight. Council has referred these cases to relevant law enforcement agents and the City’s Audit Division for prosecution. It is important to note that the City’s initiative to regularize settlements is being abused by the land barons, who are misleading residents that such settlements will be regularized. Residents are advised to remove the illegal structures themselves or risk demolition by the Development Control Section. We present the statement below:
<blockquote>
<h3>PRESS STATEMENT ON NEW LAND INVASIONS</h3>
Council has noted with concern the continuous illegal land invasions in various suburbs such as Glen View, Retreat (Harare-Chitungwiza Railway Reservation), Budiriro, Mufakose, Crowborough, Kuwadzana, Tafara/Mabvuku, Kambuzuma, Warren Park, Glen Norah, Mabelreign, Chisipite and The Grange among other surbubs.
Land barons are generating fake allocation letters, receipts and diagrams to which they use to dupe unsuspecting home seekers. 
The cases are being referred to the relevant law enforcement agents and City’s Audit Division for prosecution.
Council has noted that the land barons are misleading the beneficiaries that once they settle on these unplanned spaces, the City of Harare will regularise the areas.
The landbarons literally force the beneficiaries to put up illegal structures under the cover of the night and weekends and demand that someone must reside in these mostly wooden cabins and substandard structures.
This is clear misinterpretation and abuse of section 74 of Zimbabwe’s constitution which requires Local Authorities to obtain a court order in order to remove an illegal structure being used as a home.
It must also be said that, City of Harare’s noble initiative to try and regularize old settlements that suit the regularization template generated by the City is now being abused by lands barons through fresh land invasions and falsely believe that such settlements will be regularized. 
Residents are advised that, Section 49 of the Regional Town and Country Planning Act has no provision for regularization in retrospect of settlements located in reservation sites such as wetlands, institutional and recreational parks.
Additionally, the land barons mislead residents that due to the forthcoming elections, no illegal structures will be demolished since they have “political protection.”
This is a lie and residents are advised not to believe such deceptions. There is no single political party that owns or encourages land barons to engage in their nefarious and illegal settlement on open space and ecologically sensitive wetlands and such settlements will not be spared from demolitions.
Our Development Control Section now has the database of old and fresh illegal land invasions and will soon deploy bulldozers to remove such illegal settlements in the coming weeks.
All the necessary enforcement procedures and logistics are already in place and residents are strongly advised to remove the said illegal structures by themselves or risk the inevitable demolitions.
The City is determined to restore order in all areas within its confines.
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Council Concerned About Illegal Land Invasions In Harare Suburbs

The Harare City Council has fired three Harare City Football Club officials for breaching by-laws by personalising the club and Mayoral mansion. In a letter seen by Pindula News, Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, announced the termination of employment, <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">executive committee membership</a>, and secretariat for Alois Masepe (previously serving as Chairman of the Harare City Football Club), Tafadzwa Aleta Basera (formerly acting as <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Chief Executive</a> Officer of the Harare City Football Club), and Osborne Maranda (previously holding the position of Marketing Manager for the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Harare City Football Club</a>). Reads the letter addressed to Mr Gift Banda, the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Football Association:
<blockquote>
Dear Sir
RE: NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND SECRETARIAT FOR HARARE CITY FOOTBALL CLUB OFFICIALS 
The above matter refers.
Kindly be advised that the following officials are no longer employed and/or associated with Harare City Football Club with effect from 9 May 2023.
1. Alois Masepe (formerly Chairman of Harare City Football Club) 
2. Tafadzwa AIleta Basera (formerly Chief Executive Officer Harare City Football Club) 
3. Osborne Maranda (formerly Marketing Manager Harare City Football Club).
We shall be advising you of the interim Executive Committee the soonest possible. Please direct all sport inquiries to the Patron’s Office (His Worship, The Mayor).
I, however, thank the said employees for their time and contribution to Harare City Football Club during their term in office. I would like to wish them the best of success in all future endevours.
</blockquote>
While the letter to Banda does not state why the trio was fired, Mafume yesterday said Masepe and his colleagues <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/10/harare-city-fc-sponsorship-withdrawn-executive-dissolved-for-misuse-of-funds/">breached by-laws by personalising the club and Mayoral mansion.</a> He suggested a review of the club’s funding model.
Harare City Council has also withdrawn sponsorship from Harare City FC and dissolved the executive.
Harare City FC was relegated from the Premier Soccer League last season after exactly 10 years in top-flight football. The Sunshine Boys were relegated together with fellow council side Bulawayo City and prison sides Tenax and WhaWha.
Harare City Council gets money to sponsor Harare City Football Club from the city’s ratepayers and other revenue sources such as taxes, fees, and fines.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare City Council Fires Three Harare City Football Club Officials

Harare City Council (HCC) has cancelled the US$465k <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mbare">Mbare</a> biogas digester contract awarded to Synlak (Pvt) Ltd after the company failed to complete the project within set timelines.
The local authority received a grant from the European Union in December 2013 under the non-State actors funding for the construction of a 100-kilowatt biogas project in Mbare.
The plant was meant to convert vegetable waste from the Mbare Musika vegetable market into biogas, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009400/harare-cancels-us465k-biogas-contract">NewsDay</a> reported.
Harare awarded the contract to Synlak (Pvt) Ltd in September 2015 and signed a memorandum of agreement for the design and construction of four biogas digesters and the supply, installation and commissioning of a 100kVA biogas generator.
However, Harare cancelled the US$465k Mbare biogas digester contract because Synlak (Pvt) Ltd failed to meet set timelines. 
Appearing before joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Energy and Power Development and Environment,  acting town clerk Phakamile Mabhena-Moyo said:
<blockquote>
The contractor failed to perform his obligations at the agreed timelines and the implementation period was extended by mutual consent. The contractor was paid in full (US$465 290) for the execution of the contract between the period September 17, 2015 to June 17, 2016. The contractor again failed to perform his obligations as per the revised timelines.
</blockquote>
Mabhena-Moyo said in June 2017, the chamber secretary wrote to the contractor giving them the notice to remedy the breach of contract within 14 days from the date of the receipt of the notice.
Synlak (Pvt) Ltd failed to rectify the breach prompting the local government authority to cancel the contract. 
Mabhena-Moyo added that the acting town clerk wrote to the contractor on January 2, 2018, advising him of the cancellation of the contract. Added Mabhena-Moyo:
<blockquote>
The city architect carried out an assessment of the work done against payments made, which established that the total value of the work done was US$243 535, suggesting an overpayment of US$221 755.
</blockquote>
He told the committees that the chamber secretary was further advised by the director of works to recover the overpayment, which led to the cancellation of the contract since there had been no meaningful progress on site since August 2017. 
The contractor wrote to the council in February 2018 after the contract had already been cancelled indicating that the major component required to complete the project was now in the country.
Synlak (Pvt) Ltd requested on October 4, 2018, a price variation and a period of 45 days to complete the project, Mabhena-Moyo said. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare Has Cancelled US$465K Mbare Biogas Digester Contract

Harare City Council (HCC) has reduced parking fees following a public outcry over a US$132 penalty charge for failing to display a valid parking ticket worth US$1 per hour.
Harare Mayor, Councillor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mafume">Jacob Mafume</a>, the Harare resolved to have the parking penalty charge reduced to US$57 and the clamping charge of $65 delayed by up to three hours.
Mayor Mafume said if a vehicle is clamped, motorists are now expected to pay US$57 within three hours. Speaking during a Special Council Meeting recently. Mayor Mafume said:
<blockquote>
The effect is that one will get a ticket of US$57 across the board no matter the offence. If you have been parked and you are late by 30 minutes you will simply pay the parking fee arrear but after 30 minutes the motorist will be issued with a penalty ticket of $57 which must be settled within 3 hours. The clamping and towing fine of $65 will be charged to motorists who fail to pay the $57 penalty fee within three hours.
</blockquote>
He said if a motorist fails to pay during the specified period, it means that he has to pay US$57 plus a parking fine of US$65.
If a motorist exceeds more than 30 minutes from their booked time, they will be fined.
Mayor Mafume said Council has instructed the Finance and Development Committee to begin the process of reducing the fines.
About a fortnight ago, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> leader <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa">Nelson Chamisa</a> ordered Harare councillors to<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/chamisa-orders-harare-councillors-to-immediately-review-parking-penalty-charges/"> immediately review</a> the parking penalty charges following a public outcry. 
The ruling ZANU PF had also condemned the CCC-dominated local authority over the manner in which City Parking has been enforcing traffic by-laws in Harare’s central business district.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare City Has Reduced Parking Penalty Fees

Harare City Council (HCC) has shared the latest pictures of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Rufaro_Stadium">Rufaro Stadium</a> which is undergoing refurbishment.
Due to years of neglect, the stadium, which is part of Zimbabwe’s rich football history, had <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/dynamos-says-city-of-harare-is-being-run-by-school-dropouts-after-rufaro-stadium-deal-collapse/">fallen into disrepair</a>, Pindula News previously reported.
Football matches in the top division were last played there in 2019. The ZIFA First Instance Board red-flagged it in 2020 and declared it unfit to host premier football. We present the latest pictures of Rufaro Stadium below:
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Rufaro_Stadium">Rufaro Stadium</a> is located in the heart of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe" title="Zimbabwe">Zimbabwe</a>‘s capital city <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare" title="Harare">Harare</a> in the suburb of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mbare" title="Mbare">Mbare</a>. 
It is the country’s second biggest stadium and is generally regarded as <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe" title="Zimbabwe">Zimbabwe</a>‘s home of football due to it being used as a home ground by some of the country’s most successful teams such as <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dynamos_Football_Club" title="Dynamos Football Club">Dynamos Football Club</a>.
The giant stadium is owned by the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare" title="Harare">Harare</a> City Council. The local authority is responsible for its maintenance, well-being and upkeep. Besides sporting activities, the local authority also hires the stadium for other activities such as musical concerts, weddings and parties. 
Harare City Council aims to finish the refurbishments before the Harare derby which pits Dynamos and Caps United on matchday 7.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Latest Pictures From Rufaro Stadium

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare_City_Council">Harare City Council (HCC)</a> has announced the closure of some roads to pave way for pipeline (trunk mains) repairs at the corner of Herbert Chitepo and Harare Street.
In a notice seen by Pindula News, the local government authority said the repairs will start on Friday the 10th of March to the 13th of March. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
<h2>NOTICE OF PLANNED MAJOR REPAIRS ON TRUNK MAINS AND THE PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE TO ALLOW FOR THE WORKS (Corner Herbert Chitepo and Harare street). </h2>
The City of Harare would like to advise its valued stakeholders that there shall be major pipeline repairs on inter-connectors to Lochinvar, at Golden Quarry, the chamber at Longchen and Corner Herbert Chitepo and Harare street.
The affected areas will be: The CBD, Marlborough, Westgate, Avenues, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Milton Park, Malbereign, Tynwald, Warren Park, Westlea, DZ, Avondale, Mt Pleasant and all other surrounding northern suburbs. The works are scheduled to start at 1800hrs on Friday the 10th of March, till 0600hrs on the 13th of March 2023.
The chamber at the Corner of Herbert Chitepo and Harare street will necessitate a road closure therefore motorists are to use alternative routes. Stakeholders are encouraged to use water sparingly during the period.
Eng. P.M. Moyo 09/03/2023 own Clerk
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare Closes Some Roads For Pipeline Repairs

City Parking, a subsidiary of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare_City_Council">Harare City Council</a>, has announced some changes to parking rules and enforcement with effect from the 10th of March 2023.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, City Parking said:
<blockquote>
Following consultations with key stakeholders concerning City Parking enforcement operations, the following changes shall be made effective the 10th of March 2023:
1. Unpaid vehicles shall be clamped and fined $132.00 or equivalent after a 30-minute grace period.
2. Paid vehicles shall be clamped and fined $132.00 or equivalent after an hour’s grace period from expiry.
3. The level of the fine can only be reviewed through a budgetary process which the city council is looking into.
4. Make use of our WhatsApp bot on 0719515601 or dial *192# for convenient self-service parking.
5. It is expected that these changes will bring relief to the motoring public and increase compliance and order in the public interest. 
6. Please pay for parking to avoid inconveniences associated with clamping. 
7. For queries and complaints please contact us on our toll-free hotlines 08080558 and 08080557. 
</blockquote>
This comes after a public uproar after motorists were fined US$130 cash. The uproar prompted the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, July Moyo, to appoint a team <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/harare-city-parking-under-probe-over-exorbitant-clamping-fees/">to investigate City Parking’s operations.</a>
The issues that are being investigated include the parking fees; the average daily collection levels; the shareholding structure between Council and City Parking; the role of the Municipal Traffic Police in Parking; the relationship, if any, between the ZRP Harare Traffic and City Parking.
Harare City Council gave City Parking marshals authority to clamp and fine traffic offenders in the Central Business District (CBD).
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

City Parking Adjusts Parking Rules Effective 10 March 2023

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare_City_Council">Harare City Council (HCC)</a> has announced that it is not offering discounts to customers on the settlement of their accounts contrary to social media reports.
In a notice seen by Pindula News, the city fathers said they will publicly announce when and if they have discounts. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
Please be advised that the City of Harare is not offering any discounts to customers on settlement of their accounts. False reports have been peddled by unscrupulous individuals duping our clients under the pretense of issuing discounts on USD payment.
Council receipts are also issued instantly and under no circumstances should council ratepayers be asked to leave money and collect receipts later.
Council wishes to advise valuable ratepayers that when the discounts are available, these will be widely publicized and will be issued formally through council official sites. For more information please contact 242 753000 or 0788654356.
</blockquote>
The city council has for years failed to execute its duties and responsibilities which include the provision of portable water, waste management, road maintenance, and other public services.
The sub-national government cites a lack of adequate resources.
Like all other local government authorities around the country, Harare’s main sources of revenue include rates and other charges from residents and businesses within the city. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare City Is Not Offering Discounts To Customers

Harare Mayor, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mafume">Jacob Mafume</a>, has launched Operation Chenesa Harare which will run for the next three weeks to clear all the illegal dumps that have accumulated throughout the city.
He said the majority of the necessary equipment has been purchased for Operation Chenesa Harare which was with effect from 28 February 2023.
Mayor Mafume said District Officers in each area will manage the operation.
He said the issue of waste management has become a topical issue in Harare and the local government authority is committed to dealing with it once and for all. He said:
<blockquote>
Everyone is aware that the issue of waste management model from the colonial era based on land fill, based on an ecosystem which necessitated the upliftment of waste of whatever kind without separating or recycling it, without dealing with it in any manner or form and dump it at a dumping site.
As you can see many areas, there have been landfills like the Golden Quarry and until recently we are now taking to Pomona without any management.
</blockquote>
Mayor Mafume said the argument with the central government on <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pomona">Pomona</a> has also led to a number of illegal dumpsites.
He said the other cause of these illegal dumpsites is the emergency of un-regularised settlements where the council is not collecting refuse.
Mayor Mafume said the council is committed to introducing programmes that complement the effort of the central government that has issued a national cleaning day.
He added that the programme recognises the role of the community in terms of participation in clean-up and behavioural changes.
The Mayor said citizens and communities must be placed at the centre of this waste collection model to give people control over the environment and maintain its value.
Mayor Mafume said refuse shall be collected every fortnight in residential areas and every day in areas like Mbare.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare_City_Council">Harare City Council</a> previously attributed failure or negligence to collect garbage to the inadequacy of resources such as compactors and fuel.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pndula News</a></h2>

Mayor Mafume Has Launched Operation Chenesa Harare

Harare City Council (HCC) has announced the imminent shutdown of water production citing a shortage of Aluminium Sulphate.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the local government authority said all parts of the city will be affected. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲.
The City would like to notify you that due to critically low stocks of aluminium sulphate, water production has been reduced to stretch valuable stocks from 20 hours of operation to 30 hours from 2000hrs yesterday.
This means that we will be running out of the product and ceasing operations around midnight today.
Currently, one pump is running to Warren Control and one to Lonchinvar which means that the supply level is almost insignificant and all parts of the city will be affected.
Our supplier of liquid aluminium sulphate has suffered a breakdown at their manufacturing plant which they hope will be repaired by Saturday morning and will resume deliveries later on the course of that day.
Granular aluminium is only expected to start arriving in the country from Monday 13 February 2023.
Efforts are underway to seek an alternative delivery sooner to cut the length of the shutdown.
Any inconveniences caused are sincerely regretted.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare City Announces Imminent Shutdown Of Water Production

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kenneth_Sharpe">Kenneth Sharpe</a>, a property mogul, has attributed infrastructural decay at Greenwood Park, Harare Zimbabwe to poor leadership.
Sharpe posted a video of himself touring Greenwood Park, pointing at some of the features in it and saying its poor state could only be blamed on poor administration.
He is heard saying “fish rots from the head.”
Without indicating whether he means central government or council, Sharpe who is one of the many business people aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, called on those responsible to own up to their failures.
Sharpe is currently funding the construction of a multi-million dollar modern complex in the Borrowdale area. Watch the video below for more:
Greenwood Park is both a city park and a small urban neighbourhood located in the northeast section of Harare’s central business district.
It is one of the early subdivisions which were created inside Harare but lay outside of the original, officially-planned City of Salisbury.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Ken Sharpe Attributes Infrastructural Decay At Greenwood Park To Poor Leadership

The Harare City Council (HCC) has said the shortage of manpower is affecting its “well-planned programme” for drain clearance and grass cutting.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the local government authority said it had since approached the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to get assistance. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare would like to advise residents, ratepayers, motorists and relevant stakeholders that the City has a well-planned programme for drain clearance and grass cutting.
However, the City has a shortage of manpower in drain clearance and grass cutting.
The City has already engaged the parent ministry, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works over the matter and is still to get a response.
Once the City, has been cleared to recruit, it will expedite the process.
</blockquote>
Harare City Council is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the drainage system to ensure that it can effectively manage stormwater and prevent flooding. 
The city has been facing challenges with its drainage infrastructure due to population growth, urbanization, and lack of maintenance. 
The drainage system has been overwhelmed by heavy rainfall and poor drainage design which has led to flooding in low-lying areas. 
There have been efforts to upgrade the drainage infrastructure and preventative measures put in place to reduce the impact of flooding, but more work needs to be done to improve the overall effectiveness of the system.
On the other hand, uncut grass along roads can make it harder for drivers to see potential hazards and make it more difficult to spot pedestrians and or animals, which can contribute to road accidents. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"We Have A Shortage Of Manpower In Drain Clearance And Grass Cutting" - Harare

Harare City Council (HCC) has announced that the recommissioning of the Morton Jaffray Treatment Plant is in progress. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the local government authority said the plant was shut down after the council had failed to secure requisite water treatment chemicals on time. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲</h2>
The City of Harare would like to advise it’s valued customers and stakeholders that the recommissioning of Morton Jaffray Treatment Plant is in progress after it was shutdown last night around 1750hrs.
The shutdown was due to challenges within the water treatment chemicals supply chain and compounded by recent inclement weather patterns in raw material source countries.
One load of liquid aluminium sulphate was received at 0610 hours this morning and four loads of granular aluminium sulphate are expected in the course of the day.
The initial target flow for Morton Jaffray is 200 mega litres and 65 mega litres for Prince Edward.
The target flow will still affect a number of suburbs which will receive minimum to zero flow until more chemicals are received.
The city regrets any inconveniences caused.
</blockquote>
The suppressed water production at Morton Jaffray and Prince Edward water treatment plants left most residential areas without water for a prolonged period of time. 
Harare City said efforts were being made to rectify the deficiencies. It urged stakeholders to use the available water sparingly. 
Some residents, however, criticised the city fathers for poor communication saying they announce the shutdown of water treatment plants when they would already shut down instead of notifying stakeholders in advance.
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"Recommissioning Of Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plan Is In Progress" - Harare City

Harare mayor<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mafume"> Jacob Mafume</a> has said the local government authority issued just 163 stands out of a total of 5 000 initially targeted for allocation to home seekers in 2022 by the local authority.
The authority is sitting on a housing backlog of more than half a million people on its waiting list, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/harare-mayor-admits-bungling-after-council-issued-163-home-stands-out-of-years-target-of-5000/">ZimLive</a> reported citing Mafume’s end-of-year message delivered on Wednesday.
No land allocations were done in 2021 as the Harare City Council suspended the service in 2020 after most of its top housing officials including a housing director and two acting directors were arrested and charged with corruption. Mafume said:
<blockquote>
We continue to perform dismally in the housing sector of the City. Only 163 stands were allocated against a target of 5,000 stands.
We are remodelling the housing delivery strategy so that we work with reputable institutions and developers in the servicing of stands so that we can be able to provide stands with on-site and bulk offsite infrastructure. The current model is not working, and this has created opportunities for land barons to swindle desperate home seekers.
We will in 2023 embark on a programme to ensure that properties get title. In addition to that, we will sell houses to sitting tenants who have occupied the properties for an agreed period.
</blockquote>
Harare also built one school in 2022, Budiriro No 7 Primary School taking the total number of schools from 34 to 35. Mafume said the city fathers will also rename its schools and other properties after some luminaries and prominent individuals.
Meanwhile, the mayor said his council is owed $82.7 billion in unpaid rates by both domestic and commercial entities a situation which he says affects the delivery of public goods and services.
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Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume Says Just 163 Stands Out Of Targeted 5k Were Allocated In 2022

Harare City Council (HCC) has dismissed reports in local media that there has been massive land looting at the local government authority.
The Herald reported on Friday that opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors in Harare, working in cahoots with top council officials and their MDC Alliance counterparts, buy commercial and industrial stands for as little as US$60 and resell them at more than US$120 000.
The state-run publication says there are documents which show that the council’s Mayor Jacob Mafume received land in parts of Harare. Other councillors who are said to have received land include:
<blockquote>
i). Denford Ngadziore, 
ii). Stanley Manyenga, 
iii). Adonia Shoko and 
iv). Jason Kautsa 
</blockquote>
The Herald further says councillors Happymore Gotora, Joseph Kunashe, Keith Charumbira, Brian Matione, Costa Mande, Maxwell Dutuma, Midia Mudariki, Tichaona Mhetu, Runyowa Chihoma and Gaudencia Marera are also involved in the alleged scam. 
In a response seen by Pindula News, the city fathers said the stands in question were leased to the said individuals, therefore, they are not allowed to sell them. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Council has noted with concern the flimsy and malicious allegations carried in today’s edition of The Herald against councillors and senior officials.
In the story, The Herald purported that councillors and officials had sold themselves commercial stands for a song when in actual fact the councillors and officials were applying to lease the said land after following laid down procedures.
Council has proper laid down procedures and processes for all applications of industrial and commercial stands including those made by policymakers and officials.
As has become the norm The Herald chose to ignore the facts and even failed to contact the relevant officials for comment showing the obvious intent to injure and harm the reputations of the councillors and officials written in the story.
This is against journalistic principles which requires journalists to seek comment before publishing such articles. Council will make an official complaint to the Voluntary Media Council and is contemplating taking legal action against The Herald.
As a statutory requirement everyone including Councillors should apply for industrial stands as per the Ministerial directive and should follow due processes .
The stands in question which were offered to policymakers, officials and other beneficiaries are on lease ONLY and therefore can not be sold as alleged in The Herald. A leased stand remains a council property and can not be sold or sub-leased.
Every beneficiary is supposed to pay monthly rental around RTGs 500 000+ depending on the size of the stand for the next 5yrs after the signing of the lease agreement.
Any beneficiary who fail to pay the monthly rentals will have their leases cancelled.
The lease agreement does not allow any beneficiary to sell the land as claimed by The Herald.
It is also important to note that, other Council procedures are yet to be followed which include but not limited to advertising in line with Section 159 of the Urban Councils Act.
For The Herald to report that Councillors since sold the stands in question is not only blatantly false but also defamatory as one cannot sale a stand which they are yet to be allocated.
It is also important to note that the benefits and welfare of councillors are determined by the minister not by councillors themselves while those of senior officials come as conditions of service in line with the Kurasha Commission Report.
</blockquote>
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