 We however note with grave concern the late commencement of
council business owing to the unexplained delay in the swearing in of
the new councillors by the Ministry of Local Government. As an
association, we look forward to a fruitful relationship of cooperation
with the new council in an endeavour to address the social service
delivery related problems bedevilling the city of Harare. In that
regard, the Association takes this vital opportunity to remind the new
council of the issues that demands its attention as a matter of
urgency. These critical issues include;
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• Advocacy for the constitutionalisation of Zimbabwe’s  local
governance
• Advocacy for autonomous and cooperative local governance in
Zimbabwe
• Wide and gender equitable consultation of residents during the
council budget formulation.
• Potholes on all the major roads across the city
• Perennial water shortages across the city, but severe in high
density areas
• Sewer bursts across the city, but severe in high density areas
• Uncollected refuse pilling up in most residential suburbs
• Poor street lighting
• Tall grass growing along roads
• Absence of clinics and police posts in certain areas
• Collapsed and dilapidation of council and recreational
facilities like halls
• Harassment of street vendors and other residents by municipal
police
• The increase in the number of street kids and vagrants in the
city and cases of harassment of residents by the street kids.
• Partisan employment recruitment for council jobs and other
contracts.
• Development of programs that aim at socio-economic empowerment
for the disadvantaged residents.
Over and above we urge the new council to tow the path of participatory
democracy, whereupon the council’s decision making process is
characterised by wide and effective consultation of all residents
irrespective of their social standing, sex or race. As an association,
we remain committed to demanding and facilitating enhanced civic
participation in local governance in Harare.