Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
IN a landmark event that showcased the power of community-driven development, the Borrowdale Residents and Ratepayers Association (BRRA) officially handed over three major projects—a refurbished clinic, a new bus terminal and a pioneering recycling centre — to the City of Harare and the local community.
The ceremony, held in Ward 18, drew city officials, community leaders and residents, all united in celebrating a new chapter of partnership and progress.
Ward 18 Councillor Rufaro Matsika, addressing the gathering, emphasised that the achievements were a testament to the strength of teamwork and the spirit of volunteerism that defines Borrowdale.
“This gathering is more than just an acknowledgement of finished projects. It represents the essence of teamwork, commitment, and strength that defines our community,” she said.
Clr Matsika highlighted that the projects—including the clinic refurbishment, the waste separation centre, and the bus shelter—are only a few among many ongoing initiatives in the ward, such as bylaw enforcement, clean-up campaigns, infrastructure repairs, and wetlands protection.
She assured residents that the community and council are committed to maintaining the new facilities to the highest standards, noting the positive impact these projects will have on livelihoods, social cohesion, health, and community engagement. “As we look to the future, let us maintain this momentum. The achievements we have made are just the beginning. I encourage all of you to keep the spirit of community alive, continue to engage, volunteer, and innovate,” she urged.
Councillor Matsika also expressed gratitude to the residents, the BRRA leadership, and all sponsors and volunteers, stating, “Together we are not just stakeholders, but a family united by a shared vision for a brighter future. Your dedication to improving our community without expecting any return on investment reflects your deep commitment and affection for this place we call our own.”
Acting Mayor Councillor Stanley Manyenga echoed these sentiments, describing the projects as “tangible proof of a powerful concept of partnership in development.”
He noted that the collaboration between the council and residents had shattered the old narrative of “us versus them,” replacing it with a model of mutual support and shared responsibility.
“The Borrowdale Residents and Ratepayers Association has shown us a new and more effective way forward. Council’s role is to plan, to regulate, to provide the framework for progress. But you, the residents, have been the ground knowledge, the community spirit, and the dedication to see these projects through,” said Clr Manyenga.
He praised the transformation of Helensvale Business Centre bus stop into a safe and comfortable space for commuters, the major renovations at Borrowdale Clinic ensuring access to quality healthcare, and the forward-thinking waste separation centre addressing urgent environmental challenges.
“These three projects, though different in scope, are united by a common thread. They were conceived, championed, and executed through partnership,” he said, calling for this collaborative approach to become the template for all future development in Harare.
BRRA Chairperson Mr Robert Mutyasira expressed excitement over the City of Harare’s introduction of the Community Health Equity Fund, which he described as a “low-cost but high-value initiative” that will help ensure access to healthcare for all, especially the vulnerable.
“Not everybody who lives in this community is as well-off as we may think. Some people actually suffer, some people actually live in poverty. But with such a fund, it lessens the burdens on the rest of the community when there are people who fall ill or have complications that need attention,” he said.
Mr. Mutyasira outlined the association’s commitment to mobilizing residents and health professionals to ensure the fund’s success, pledging to work closely with the city to make the programme a reality.
In his remarks, Mr. Mutyasira paid tribute to the many individuals whose vision and hard work made the projects possible. He credited JoAnn Ross, Dr. Angeline Nyatanga, Cordelia Muchatuta, Engineer Charles Murove, Mary Wazara, and Sharon Hook for pioneering the waste separation centre, and former vice chair Herbert Mashanyare, Derek Zhanje, Jennifer Chiwutsi, Jo Ann Ross, and Margaret Mwamuka for championing the clinic refurbishment. Patricia Townsend was recognized for her leadership in transforming the Helensvale bus stop.
He also acknowledged the vital contributions of Councillor Rufaro Matsika, Regional Manager Mrs. Faith Raradza, District Officer Ms. Leah Kativhu, and Deputy Ms. Tendai Mapfumo, noting the impressive work ethic and dedication of the women leading the ward’s development efforts.
Mr. Mutyasira announced that the BRRA’s next ambitious goal is to construct a Community Recreational Centre, addressing the lack of accessible facilities for youth and residents. The association has already identified land and begun the application process with the council, calling on all stakeholders to support the initiative.
He concluded by presenting the three completed projects to the community and the City of Harare, offering Borrowdale as a model for urban development and devolution experiments. “What you see here is what an amount slightly less than $US20,000 can do when it is in the right hands,” he said, underscoring the impact of transparency, community ownership, and collective action.
The Borrowdale experience stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when residents, local authorities, and partners work together with a shared vision.
As Clr Matsika and Acting Mayor Manyenga emphasised, the journey is far from over.
The community’s ongoing commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and resilience offers a blueprint for sustainable development not just in Harare, but across Zimbabwe.
