Looting fears over new Harare levy

Harare residents have raised concerns over the possible misuse of funds collected under the City of Harare's emergency services levy, which was introduced to finance the purchase of ambulances and strengthen the capital's collapsing emergency response system.

The levy, introduced at the beginning of 2025 and initially called the ambulance levy before being renamed, requires residents in high-density suburbs to pay US$1.50 per month, while commercial and industrial properties are charged US$2.

The City of Harare said the funds would be used to overhaul its emergency services and purchase at least 36 ambulances in the first year, targeting an average of three ambulances per month.

However, residents and civic organisations say delivery has fallen far short of expectations, with reports indicating that fewer than 10 ambulances were acquired during the period under review.

The lack of transparency in how the funds have been utilised has triggered public concern, with residents accusing the local authority of failing to account for the revenue collected.

Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba said the situation reflects a broader governance and accountability crisis within the municipality.

"The emergency services levy can buy at least three ambulances every month based on estimated revenues," Shumba said. "However, there is a lack of transparency and accountability in the utilisation of the levy."

He added that mismanagement of public funds continues to undermine service delivery in the capital.

Combined Harare Residents Association director Reuben Akili also called for a full audit of the levy, arguing that residents were not seeing value for money despite regular deductions.

"The whole agenda was to have every suburb have an ambulance… it's a mockery," Akili said.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has previously suggested that some of the challenges affecting service delivery may be linked to internal sabotage and operational constraints within the city council.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of long-standing service delivery challenges in the capital, where deteriorating infrastructure, financial constraints and governance disputes have severely affected water supply, waste management and emergency response systems.

Once regarded as the country's model city, Harare's municipal services have declined sharply over the past two decades, with residents increasingly relying on private alternatives for essential services.