CHRA, Mayor, agree to work together

After the Mayor addressed the residents on fundamental issues of service delivery; particularly the plans and progress made on resuscitation of water supply; the two agreed that they do not have any other choice but to work together.

A huge fall out ensued between CHRA and the City Council after the latter proposed and approved the 2009 city budget without adequately consulting the residents. The Mayor invited CHRA to make its submissions with respect to the new water supply and sewer reticulation management. This follows the Ministers (Local Government) directive that the City council must immediately constitute a water utility that manages the water supply and sewer reticulation for the City of Harare. CHRA has already expressed its objection to that proposal/directive as it creates another ZINWA scenario; which is the reason why Harare is battling with a water crisis. CHRA will soon make public its submissions on this subject matter.

At this meeting, the residents expressed their disappointment over the deterioration in municipal service delivery despite the fact that they are paying their rates and service charges. The residents also complained about the exorbitant nature of the rates, levies and the charges for different services. On the other hand, the Mayor underscored the need for vigorous civic education programmes for residents by CHRA around issues of environmental management and pollution. His Worship, Mayor Masunda admitted that the council has erred in conducting its business but his office remains open to CHRA to submit its input on various issues. Mr. Simbarashe Moyo, the CHRA Chairperson, welcomed the Mayors declaration of an open door policy and assured him that CHRA will always do its best to make its ideas/opinions known to the City Fathers as well as compliment the councilors in doing their work. Meanwhile CHRA maintains its call for the rates boycott while it engages with the City Council over the 2009 City Budget. CHRA remains focused on lobbying for democratic local governance and advocating for the provision of quality and affordable municipal service delivery on a non partisan basis.