Housing associations under check in Harare

The sprouting of residents associations in Harare has raised eyebrows with many questioning if residents are being genuinely represented or it is another opportunity to fleece residents of their hard earned cash.

Most associations have been proactive in keeping checks and balances on the city fathers, but people have questioned if they are there to genuinely represent residents or for selfish gains.

Local government expert Shingi Mushamba says residents are facing a number of challenges and they need representations.

He was however quick to point out that bad apples cannot be ruled out.

"Service delivery is at its worst in Harare as such residents need representation, however we cannot rule out selfish gains," he said.

Another local government expert, Percy Toriro, is of the view that the residents associations should harmonies their operations and engage residents in a unified manner.

He says, "They need to be more organised in order for them to properly engage."

Some of the associations that are representing Harare residents include the Harare Residents' Trust, Combined Harare Residents Association, Harare Residents Alliance, Zimbabwe High Density Suburb Development Trust and the Harare Residents Forum, among others.