Mafume orders tractor deployment over tall grass

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has urged the City of Harare's housing committee to urgently deploy tractors for grass cutting amid growing concerns that overgrown areas are contributing to criminal activity.

Speaking at a recent full council meeting, Mafume said the proliferation of tall grass across several suburbs was creating security risks.

"There is tall grass everywhere, and people are being mugged," he said, responding to concerns raised by Ward 36 councillor Hilda Ruzani.

Cllr Ruzani highlighted worsening conditions in her ward, particularly in Warren Park, and called for immediate council intervention.

In an interview, she identified several areas in need of urgent grass cutting, including Phase 3, Phase 4, Marimba, Mufakose, Kambuzuma, High Glen and along High Glen Road.

"Motorists are failing to cross High Glen Road. We have roads such as Mukonono Road, which also has tall grass that needs to be cut, like in previous years, when council workers would be deployed to cut grass," she said.

She added that residents have reported an increase in muggings allegedly linked to the overgrown vegetation.

"People are being mugged and people come to me with reports of muggings because of the tall grass. We do not know what to do without a resolution on grass cutting," Ruzani said.

The mayor's directive now places pressure on council departments to mobilise equipment and personnel to clear the affected areas and address residents' safety concerns.