adminon Monday.
City authorities failed to articulate issues that resonate with the city’s 2,5 million residents, which include efficient refuse collection, upgrading of traffic and street lighting and a responsive health system, among other world class city attributes.
Harare residents complain over a poor billing system, poor roads, dilapidated infrastructure and heavy traffic congestion during peak hours while business operators are not happy with vendors who block entrances to their premises.
“The city should craft a budget that contributes to the vision. From now on, the yearly budgets should reflect components of the vision,” he said.
Minister Chombo said the budget should tackle programmes such as reducing traffic congestion, reduction of water leaks, refuse collection and give timelines.
He said when the city goes out to campaign for the acceptance of its tariffs, it should promise specific and time-bound projects.
He said in its short spell in office, the Elias Mudzuri council that he fired had managed to build three roundabouts and to introduce additional burial space at Warren Hills.
“The Masunda council has to say out to the residents what they have achieved in the past four years. If they fail to show what they have achieved, this will result in bill
payment apathy,” he said.
He wondered why Harare was failing to copy best practices from other world class cities, which afford their residents means of livelihood through legislated vending.
“The city should create space for vending and in the process make money through levying the vendors,” he said.
“I wonder why the city cannot block one major thoroughfare during the weekend and allow residents to conduct car boot sales. It happens globally, and why not here?” he said.
Online Reporter