Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Online Reporter
Harare South District stakeholders have agreed on the need to accelerate the provision of title deeds, water, sewer, roads and refuse collection, with officials emphasising compliance with regulations and payment of required charges.
The issues emerged during a Stakeholders Alignment Indaba held at the Harare City Council Southlea Park District Office in Churu Constituency under the theme: “A Call for a Shared Responsibility; Catching up with Reality.”
The indaba brought together district chairpersons, provincial leadership, cooperatives and property developers to discuss challenges affecting the rapidly growing district.
Officials said compliance with planning and payment requirements was essential to protecting residents’ homes and investments, adding that the district’s development required cooperation between residents and council.
Speaking to Zimpapers on the sidelines of the event, Harare City Council regional manager Engineer Norman Karidza said Operation Chenesa Harare would help restore order and cleanliness in the district.
He said approved planning documents and a title deeds scheme would provide a framework for guiding development in Harare South.
“Future developments within the district will anchor on the Master Plan and Local Development Plan 59, which have already been approved,” she said.
“Currently, there is mobilisation underway through the Kwangu Presidential Title Deeds Scheme to carry out infrastructure development, with the ultimate goal of availing title deeds to the residents.”
In his remarks, Harare South Southlea Park District Officer Mr Jonas Mberikunashe said the programme aims to improve living standards, and that lasting solutions come from council and local leaders working together.
“The District Monitoring and Evaluation Team (DIMET) is fast becoming a symbol of how decentralisation can deliver tangible results. As council, we are asking all local representatives to take part in compliance reform.”
Southlea Park District Council Development Control Planning Officer Mr Elijah Romol said building according to the planning strategy keeps families safe and their homes secure.
He emphasised that council will remove illegal settlements in Harare South within two to three weeks.
“Houses being built near roads are at risk and if you buy land without council’s knowledge, it’s the same as if you have not bought anything.”
Southlea Park District Council Debt Officer Mr Makanjila Walter said revenue collection efficiency averages about 15 percent against Debtors book above ZiG100 million.
He said the council is offering flexible ways to help residents clear their accounts.
“We are encouraging our ratepayers from Southlea Park to come to our office, verify their debts and make full payments.
“If need be, we can also have payment arrangements, payment plans, over a certain period,” he said.
District Monitoring and Evaluation Team (DIMET) Implementation Committee chairman Cde Trust Rutsvara attributed Harare City Council’s progress to date to collective deliberations by committed officials tasked with serving Harare South.
He emphasised that safeguarding the availed resources is now a shared community responsibility.
“The implementation which Harare City Council has done so far came from a round table of concerned officials who have the responsibility in their hands. It is now our responsibility to make sure we keep the resources safe,” he said.
