News / National
Harare mayor bemoans state of council buildings
25 Jun 2025 at 17:21hrs | Views
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of council buildings, urging acting town clerk Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo to take swift action to address the issue.
The call for urgent improvements came after Mafume's visit to the City Sports Centre during a donation event hosted by the War Veterans League, which saw the handover of a solar-powered borehole and security enhancements. Speaking at a recent council meeting, Mafume highlighted the poor condition of several council facilities.
"The state of our buildings, town clerk, the state of the city sports, let's look at them. Every time I have to apologise when I get to a council facility. The place doesn't look nice but there are simple things and so forth, (which can be done to) spruce it up," he remarked.
Concerns about the safety of council-owned properties have grown following recent fire incidents in Harare's Central Business District (CBD). On Saturday, a blaze believed to have been caused by an electrical fault linked to a corn snacks production unit gutted the XGX Mall, which housed more than 40 tuckshops. Traders reported losses amounting to thousands of US dollars in stock destroyed by the fire. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, noting that several shops were destroyed but no injuries were reported.
In addition to infrastructure woes, Mayor Mafume shared updates on efforts to digitise council services through partnerships with the private sector. This month, ZB Financial Holdings presented digital solutions aimed at supporting SMEs and improving health services to council management and committee chairpersons.
Mafume revealed plans for a "Community-based Equity Fund," whereby ratepayers in targeted communities would contribute US$2 annually to fund essential council services and health facility needs. The initiative is set to begin in areas such as Harare South and Mbare.
"That US$2, if the community pays, will be able to improve services in that community. We are starting with Harare South, Mbare and so forth to buy them the equipment they require and other necessities in health facilities," he said.
He further disclosed that UN organisations, which donated US$700,000 towards the construction of Tariro Clinic, are considering a similar financial contribution to support the community-based equity or health insurance fund.
The mayor's remarks underscore the growing challenges faced by Harare's infrastructure and the innovative approaches being explored to improve service delivery amid resource constraints.
The call for urgent improvements came after Mafume's visit to the City Sports Centre during a donation event hosted by the War Veterans League, which saw the handover of a solar-powered borehole and security enhancements. Speaking at a recent council meeting, Mafume highlighted the poor condition of several council facilities.
"The state of our buildings, town clerk, the state of the city sports, let's look at them. Every time I have to apologise when I get to a council facility. The place doesn't look nice but there are simple things and so forth, (which can be done to) spruce it up," he remarked.
Concerns about the safety of council-owned properties have grown following recent fire incidents in Harare's Central Business District (CBD). On Saturday, a blaze believed to have been caused by an electrical fault linked to a corn snacks production unit gutted the XGX Mall, which housed more than 40 tuckshops. Traders reported losses amounting to thousands of US dollars in stock destroyed by the fire. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, noting that several shops were destroyed but no injuries were reported.
In addition to infrastructure woes, Mayor Mafume shared updates on efforts to digitise council services through partnerships with the private sector. This month, ZB Financial Holdings presented digital solutions aimed at supporting SMEs and improving health services to council management and committee chairpersons.
Mafume revealed plans for a "Community-based Equity Fund," whereby ratepayers in targeted communities would contribute US$2 annually to fund essential council services and health facility needs. The initiative is set to begin in areas such as Harare South and Mbare.
"That US$2, if the community pays, will be able to improve services in that community. We are starting with Harare South, Mbare and so forth to buy them the equipment they require and other necessities in health facilities," he said.
He further disclosed that UN organisations, which donated US$700,000 towards the construction of Tariro Clinic, are considering a similar financial contribution to support the community-based equity or health insurance fund.
The mayor's remarks underscore the growing challenges faced by Harare's infrastructure and the innovative approaches being explored to improve service delivery amid resource constraints.
Source - The Herald
