Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
RESIDENTS of Harare’s Ward 45 in Dzivarasekwa have called on the City of Harare to prioritise the construction of secondary schools, expansion of health facilities, road rehabilitation and improved water and sewer services in the proposed 2027 budget.
This emerged during the ward’s 2027 pre-budget consultation meeting held at Dzivarasekwa 1 Community Hall on Saturday.
Residents called for better facilities for informal traders and relief measures for senior citizens and ratepayers who consistently settle their bills.
Ward 45 Councillor Jubilation Shoko, who is also the finance and development committee chairperson, said the meeting had provided residents with an opportunity to make submissions on services they want to be prioritised in the coming financial year.
“Residents raised several issues, including the need for title deeds and clarity on the registration process, particularly where property owners have passed on,” he said.
“Senior citizens also appealed for consideration because many of them can no longer afford high rates, while residents who consistently pay their bills were asking whether the City could introduce incentives or discounts for compliant ratepayers.”
Residents placed particular emphasis on education, saying the ward has limited public schools, especially at secondary level.
“We have one clinic that is already overwhelmed, while there are no secondary schools in the ward. Most of the schools available are private and many residents cannot afford the fees,” he said.
The residents also identified the extension of Highglen Road towards Tynwald South as an urgent priority, saying its current condition is hampering movement.
Councillor Shoko said the ward had already identified land for some of the proposed developments, including a secondary school and clinic.
Residents were urged to continue paying their rates to enable the council to finance service delivery.
“Development is driven by resources, and residents paying their bills and rates will enable the City to do more in terms of service delivery,” he said.
Water supply was identified as another major concern, with residents hoping ongoing efforts by the City and Helcraw Water will improve supplies.
The city has been working with Helcraw on water infrastructure rehabilitation and the rollout of prepaid smart water meters.
On waste management, however, residents expressed satisfaction with recent improvements in refuse collection following the city’s partnership with Geo Pomona Waste Management.
“They are happy with refuse collection and have acknowledged the improvement. We want to see this consistency maintained,” Councillor Shoko said.
The residents further called for public lighting and improved facilities for vendors, including designated trading areas, toilets and proper ablution facilities.
The submissions come as Harare intensifies consultations for the 2027 budget, with other wards also identifying schools, clinics, roads, water, sanitation and waste management as key priorities.
Councillor Shoko said the submissions would be taken to council for consideration as the City moves towards finalising its 2027 budget.
