Charles Duri
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of three people who drowned in a sewer sludge pit in Budiriro 3, amid concerns over public safety standards at municipal infrastructure projects.
The residents’ body said authorities and contractors responsible for the site should be held accountable if investigations establish negligence or failure to comply with safety requirements.
In a statement, ZNOART national chairman Mr Shepherd Chikomba expressed condolences to the bereaved families and described the incident as a tragic reminder of the need for local authorities to prioritise the safety and welfare of residents during service delivery projects.
“As residents’ representatives, we are deeply disturbed by reports that the sewer pit was allegedly left open, unmarked, unsecured and accessible to the public in a densely populated residential area,” he said.
“Residents have raised concerns that the site lacked adequate barricades, warning signs and protective measures expected on hazardous public works projects.”
Mr Chikomba said the tragedy comes at a time when the Government has strengthened the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Indicators for local authorities through Statutory Instrument 69 of 2026, which places a legal obligation on councils to improve service delivery and safeguard communities.
He said the standards require local authorities to prioritise key services, including water and sanitation, environmental health, infrastructure maintenance and public safety.
Mr Chikomba called for a full, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the deaths, while urging authorities to ensure accountability should negligence be established.
He also called for immediate safety audits of all open excavations, sewer rehabilitation projects, drainage works and other hazardous municipal sites across Harare and the country.
Mr Chikomba said affected families should be assisted and compensated in accordance with the law if investigations determine that there was a breach of duty of care.
He also urged local authorities to strengthen engagement with residents to ensure communities are informed about ongoing public works, associated risks and measures being taken to safeguard lives.
Mr Chikomba appealed to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to ensure full implementation and enforcement of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards and to take action against any local authority or contractor found to have failed in its responsibility to protect residents.
“Where investigations establish negligence, recklessness or a breach of statutory duties resulting in the loss of human life, those responsible should be brought before the courts and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Chikomba said the loss of life in Budiriro should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved in service delivery, stressing that infrastructure development must never come at the expense of public safety.
“The loss of life in Budiriro is not merely a tragedy for the affected families; it is a reminder that service delivery is ultimately about protecting human life and dignity,” he said.
Mr Chikomba said they will continue engaging relevant authorities and advocating for justice, accountability and improved service delivery standards that place residents at the centre of local governance.
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