Harare water relocates

Municipal Reporter
Harare City Council has resolved to move its water department from Old Mutual House along Speke Avenue to council premises as a cost-cutting measure.

Council has been renting offices for engineers and other personnel at Old Mutual House, but councillors feel they are wasting money that should be channelled to service delivery.

According to the 1 843 Ordinary Council Minutes in debate on austerity measures to reduce costs, council discussed the relocation of the Department of Harare Water to Rufaro Marketing in terms of a resolution passed in 2010.

“It accordingly sought an explanation for the delay. The town clerk (Dr Tendai Mahachi) advised that buildings at Rufaro Marketing were extensively dilapidated.

“Extensive renovations which could take six months were required prior to occupation,” said Dr Mahachi.

“The attention of council was also drawn to the need for Harare water to give necessary notices before vacating its current offices. Members were however, of the view that urgent action be taken to address the matter.”

Council resolved that the relocation from Old Mutual House to Rufaro Marketing premises in Mbare be done immediately.

It resolved that as a temporary measure, the department moves to Rowan Martin Building or Trafalgar Court pending renovation of the Rufaro Marketing premises.

It also resolved that for the convenience of ratepayers, the water billing hall remains at Old Mutual House.

The committee tasked Dr Mahachi to report to the Business Committee on the status of Rufaro Marketing.

He was asked to submit the lease agreement between Old Mutual and Harare City Council.