Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Online Reporter
The Harare City Council, led by Mayor Jacob Mafume, appeared before the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) on Thursday to answer allegations of violating environmental rights and the quality of water supplied to Harare residents.
Mayor Mafume appeared before the Commission alongside Acting Town Clerk Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo and Acting Director of Water Engineer Richard Kunyandini.
The city fathers were subpoenaed by the ZHRC last month to answer allegations of environmental rights violations, the right to water for Harare residents, and poor sewer management.
“Please take notice that you are required, in terms of Section 12(1)(a) of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Act [Chapter 10:30], to appear before the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission at Harare on the 4th day of July 2025 at 11:00 am to give evidence in connection with alleged violation of environmental rights, including the right to water in respect of Harare residents due to the contamination of Lake Chivero, as well as the cholera outbreaks in Harare in 2019 due to mismanagement of sewer,” reads the subpoena.
Addressing the media after their appearance before the Commission, Mayor Mafume assured Harare residents of the safety of Harare water.
“We were at the Commission discussing issues related to the supply of Harare water and the challenges thereof.
“We addressed the water quality. Harare water quality is up to standard.
“It is tested according to organisational standards by ISO. We also test our water at Morton Jaffray at 30-minute intervals, and it is also tested by City Health and other independent laboratories,” said the Mayor.
“We assured the Commission and the public at large that Harare water is safe to drink and is the difference between us and diseases.
“In fact, many of the people who sell bottled water simply sell Harare water that they filter again,” said Mayor Mafume.
