Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Reporter
WARD 18 Councillor Rufaro Matsika has hailed the growing impact of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in Harare, saying collaborations between the City of Harare and private sector partners are beginning to deliver tangible improvements in service delivery.
Clr Matsika singled out partnerships with Geo Pomona Waste Management and Helcraw Water as examples of how strategic collaboration can help address some of the capital’s long-standing challenges, including waste management and water supply.
She said the partnerships demonstrate the value of private sector participation in complementing council efforts to modernise infrastructure and improve residents’ quality of life.
“We must commend both Geo Pomona and Helcraw Water for showing commitment, consistency and a results-oriented approach in working with the City of Harare,” said Cllr Matsika.
“For many years, residents have complained about refuse accumulation and water losses caused by ageing infrastructure. What we are now witnessing are deliberate efforts to confront those challenges through investment and operational support.”
Cllr Matsika said the improvements being recorded in waste management should be supported by responsible behaviour from residents to ensure sustainable results.
“The cleaner environment being witnessed in several communities is not accidental. It is a product of planning, investment and cooperation,” she said.
“Service delivery is a shared responsibility. Residents, council and service partners must work together if we are to build a cleaner, safer and more efficient Harare.”
She also welcomed progress being made under the City of Harare’s partnership with Helcraw Water, which is focusing on the rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure, installation of smart prepaid water meters and upgrades at Morton Jaffray Water Works.
The project is aimed at reducing non-revenue water losses caused by leakages and ageing pipelines while improving water production and distribution across the city.
“Every litre lost through leakages is water denied to households. The rehabilitation work and technological systems being introduced through the City of Harare and Helcraw partnership are important steps towards stabilising supply and improving accountability,” she said.
Clr Matsika said the city should continue expanding strategic partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development and improve service delivery.
“As chairperson of the Business Committee, I have consistently advocated for the effective implementation of PPPs because they provide an opportunity to mobilise resources and expertise that can benefit residents,” she said.
“We are now building on the vision of the full council and the mayor to improve road infrastructure, pothole management, road markings, traffic lights, public lighting, council clinics and district offices.”
She said Harare remained open to partnerships capable of transforming it into a modern and competitive city.
“Our focus is to modernise and fast-track development towards an upper-middle-income society while building a sustainable and modernised capital city in line with Vision 2030,” said Cllr Matsika.
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