Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Ward 6 residents have called for the construction of schools and a clinic, as well as improvements to roads and other public services, during the City of Harare’s 2027 pre-budget consultative meeting held on Saturday.
The annual consultation gives residents an opportunity to make submissions that are considered in the formulation of the city’s budget for the following year.
Speaking after the Ward 6 pre-budget consultative and feedback meeting in Southlea Park, Ward 6 Churu Councillor Zodiac Duri said the submissions will be used to craft the 2027 budget that will be submitted for approval by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
“Residents reiterated that they want schools, hospitals, council libraries and roads,” he said.
Cllr Duri said some of the issues raised by residents during previous consultations had been addressed by council between 2023 and 2026.
“Some things that the City of Harare managed to do from their submissions between 2023 to 2026 include providing land for a clinic. What is now left is for construction to start,” he said.
He said the provision of schools remained a challenge in some areas where open spaces had been occupied by illegal structures, such as houses and shops.
However, Cllr Duri said areas such as Stoneridge and Amsterdam still had open spaces reserved for Government and council schools.
A feedback meeting was also held for Southlea Park residents to update them on progress made by council while allowing them to raise issues they expect the local authority to address.
“From the submissions made, we expect work to start on the clinic, as well as the development of the open spaces reserved for schools,” said Cllr Duri.
