Staff Reporter

Harare is grappling with a growing chorus of discontent among residents who are decrying the Harare City Council's (HCC) failure to address crucial issues like sewer reticulation and overall service delivery.

The frustration has reached a point where residents have expressed a loss of confidence in the new mayor, Jacob Mafume, and the council's ability to provide essential services.

Residents in various neighbourhoods of Harare have raised their voices against the persisting issues, with sewer reticulation emerging as a major concern.

A resident from the Glenview 3 community who preferred anonymity spoke of a four-year struggle with poor sewer and drainage.

According to the resident, despite contacting the HCC for assistance, the situation either remained unchanged or worsened leading to residents feeling disillusioned about the efficacy of council interventions.

Expressing her frustration, the Glenview 3 resident lamented, "We have lost confidence in the mayor and his CCC dominated council. Their attempts at service delivery seem like a waste of time when basic issues like sewer reticulation continue to plague our communities."

An elderly man echoed the same sentiments, emphasizing the dire consequences of the sewage problem.

His primary concern was the imminent risk of contracting diseases, such as cholera, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

"We are living in fear of waterborne diseases like cholera. The sewage situation poses a significant threat to our health, and it seems the council is turning a blind eye," expressed the worried resident.

Despite the allocation of significant resources to the HCC, including 52 trucks worth USD 1 million, concerns have been raised about the council's inefficiency in utilizing these resources for improved service delivery.

Business owners along Charter Road in the CBD complained about uncollected garbage negatively impacting the ease of doing business and eroding trust in the council.

One business owner remarked, "We were hopeful when the council received those trucks, but the reality on the ground is disappointing. The lack of fuel for the trucks is now becoming another excuse, affecting both residents and businesses."

Meanwhile, efforts to get a comment from HCC spokesperson, Stanley Gama were futile as his mobile phones were not reachable.