NEW: Beautification of cities to soon become mandatory

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Dr John Basera, wrote a letter to the Harare City Council bemoaning the neglect of trees and greenery “despite the remarkable investment in the well-being and aesthetic quality of the city by the Government”. He instructed Harare to “implement a comprehensive plan for tree and greenery maintenance, including regular watering, pruning and planting”.

Nyore Madzianike

THE beautification of towns and cities is set to become mandatory under new plans being considered by Government.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Dr John Basera revealed the plans during presentation at a recent working lunch focused on Minimum Service Delivery Standards and Urban State Land Management Policies.

The event was attended by Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.

Dr Basera said the proposals will, however, be subject to approved by Parliament.

“This is still proposed, by the way, and these are first priorities as we journey to NDS2 (the National Development Strategy 2),” he said.