Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa-Herald Reporter
THE City of Harare has initiated a twin-operation combining a forceful clean-up campaign against illegal structures with a critical infrastructure upgrade to replace ageing water pipes.
The simultaneous operations, which began in Warren Park this week, mark a major push by the council to restore order and improve essential services in the city.
A wave of demolitions swept through Warren Park yesterday as the Harare City Council launched a massive clean-up blitz targeting illegal structures, makeshift extensions and abandoned vehicles that have long littered the area.
A visit by The Herald to Third Avenue in Warren Park 1 found bulldozers and tow trucks, accompanied by municipal police and security teams, rolling into the neighbourhood.
By mid-morning, clouds of dust rose as walls of illegal extensions came crashing down and dumped cars were lifted from roadside verges and open spaces.
The operation is aimed at restoring order, improving sanitation, and reclaiming public spaces that had been illegally occupied or turned into dumping sites.
Concurrently, the City of Harare, in partnership with Halcrow Electrical, has moved a gear up in replacing ageing asbestos water pipes with modern PVC alternatives.
The replacement work, focusing on Warren Park 1 and Warren Park D, targets sections along Third Avenue and 151st Street that have experienced frequent bursts and significant water losses for years.
Ward 15 Councillor, Mr Tatenda Machirori, confirmed the developments, saying residents should expect temporary water supply interruptions while the installation is in progress.
“This means some areas will experience temporary water cuts while new pipes are being installed,” he said, adding that the project will bring long-term relief to residents who have endured erratic water supplies due to decaying infrastructure.
Councillor Machirori framed the pipe replacement as part of a broader effort to improve service delivery, which also includes the ongoing dump clearance, drainage maintenance, and road rehabilitation.
