Mafume summoned to Parliament

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is expected to give oral evidence before the Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Power Development over the allocation of service station stands in residential areas across the capital.

The Committee, chaired by Charlton Hwende, has raised concerns about the growing number of fuel service stations being established in residential suburbs in both Harare and Chitungwiza.

Lawmakers are seeking clarity on the processes and criteria used by the city authorities in approving such developments, amid fears over environmental, safety and zoning implications.

Also scheduled to appear before the Committee are Acting Town Clerk Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, Town Planner Samuel Nyabezi and Chamber Secretary Warren Chiwawa.

Officials from the Environmental Management Agency are also expected to provide testimony. These include Director of Environmental Management Services Steady Kangata and Environmental Manager Phanuel Kudakwashe Mangisi.

The hearings are part of Parliament's oversight role to ensure compliance with urban planning regulations and environmental standards, as concerns mount over the rapid expansion of service stations in densely populated neighbourhoods.