Staff Reporter

Rising discontent among citizens and business owners in Harare's Central Business District (CBD) has spotlighted the opposition-led council's failure to maintain essential urban services.

Frustrated by ongoing neglect and mismanagement, residents are now calling for urgent action, from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)-led council.

In a series of interviews, with this publication, Harare entrepreneurs and commuters detailed the declining conditions in the CBD.

John Moyo, who owns a clothing boutique along Nelson Mandela Avenue, outlined the severe challenges facing business operators.

"The sewage that constantly flows outside my shop repels customers and creates a serious health hazard for my employees and me," Moyo explained.

The disarray extends beyond sanitary streets to the area's parking facilities, which have become a hotspot for extortion by touts.

These unofficial parking attendants demand illegal fees from drivers, often resorting to intimidation and threats.

"The touts have overtaken the official parking spaces, forcing drivers to pay exorbitant fees or face harassment," noted Sarah Chirara another shop owner in the Harare CBD.

Moreover, a gaping pit at the intersection of Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela Avenue exemplifies the council's neglect.

Left unattended for over three months, the pit poses a significant risk to pedestrians and vehicles alike.

The situation is exacerbated by the deplorable state of public utilities, such as the toilets at the Main Post Office, known locally as Zimex Mall.

Residents report that these facilities are frequently out of order, with sewage issues further contributing to the unsanitary conditions of the area.

Harare's citizens are adamant that the local Government must take responsibility and address these critical issues.

"The unbearable stench and dangerous conditions on our streets reflect the council's inaction. We deserve better governance and immediate improvements to our city's infrastructure," declared Lewis Ndlovu, a Harare resident.

As the CBD's state continues to worsen, the community's demand for accountability grows stronger, urging the CCC-led council to prioritise the restoration of order and cleanliness in Harare's heart.