Mafume pushes for rehabilitation of Harare roads

Harare City Council has urged the government to fast-track the rehabilitation of the capital's deteriorating road network, much of which is riddled with potholes and increasingly impassable.

Speaking at the 2025 End-of-Year Full Council Meeting at Town House on Wednesday, Mayor Jacob Mafume condemned the poor state of city roads and revealed that the council has engaged the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) to secure its fair share of funding for both residential and industrial areas.

"We are hoping to move to the roads. We need a crusher station. I am in good books now with the ZINARA chairperson and the Transport minister, Felix Mhona, but we need to work in tandem to increase our rhythm," Mafume said.

While acknowledging progress on major projects, Mafume stressed that funding and execution remain inadequate, with substantial work still needed across Harare's wards and suburbs.

"I have placed phone calls and asked for meetings with the Transport minister, the ZINARA chairperson, and its Chief Executive Officer. We cannot continue with the roads as they are in the capital city next year. Motorists are paying their road user levies and fuel levies, and they expect better roads in return," he said.

On service delivery, Mafume said early challenges were being addressed, particularly in refuse collection, where over 450 council employees have been seconded to improve efficiency.

"A lot of useful things came out of it, which we are implementing even before the report, to make sure we don't get caught on the wrong side of the law. This new model started off badly, but it is improving," he added.

The mayor also provided an update on water provision, noting the rollout of prepaid water meters, with 20,000 units already deployed starting in Warren Park. He said pumping infrastructure is being upgraded, with Lake Manyame at over 70% capacity and Lake Chivero close to 50%, while expressing hope that upcoming rains will boost water levels.

Mafume concluded by urging collective action to improve living conditions in Harare, highlighting the council's new ERP system, which he said will make billing more transparent and efficient.

"Above all, let us try to make it easier for people to live in Harare. That's what we are trying to do, and we will try our level best," he said.