Staff Reporter

The Harare City Council is facing mounting criticism from residents and analysts over its failure to meet its self-proclaimed target of achieving world-class city status by 2025.

In an interview with this publication, citizens have pointed to uncollected refuse, frequent sewage bursts, dilapidated infrastructure, and allegations of corruption as evidence of the council’s shortcomings.

Agnes Chikowore, a resident of Mbare, decried the uncleanliness of her neighborhood.

“The streets are littered with garbage that hasn’t been collected for months. The smell of sewage is unbearable, and no one seems to care. How can they talk of world-class status when we are living like this? ”Chikowore queried.

Chikowore also urged the council to act decisively in tackling service delivery issues and improving governance.

 “If they are serious about Harare’s future, they should implement reforms and work transparently. There’s still time to salvage the city, but only with immediate action,” added Chikowore.

High-density suburbs, such as Budiriro and Glen View remain hotspots for sewage bursts. Tafadzwa Gutu, a Budiriro resident, highlighted the health risks posed by lack of action.

“Raw sewage flows past our homes almost every day. The council has failed to address this. We are tired of empty promises,”

Town planner Felix Zingwe said the city’s infrastructure is in a state of collapse. “Public buildings are falling apart, roads are crumbling, and the city lacks proper maintenance. Harare is far from world-class status; it’s barely functional,” he said.

The opposition-led council has also come under fire for corruption allegations. A government-appointed commission of inquiry into land and tender allocations in Harare uncovered widespread irregularities, fueling public mistrust. Political analyst Dr. Takunda Nyoni emphasized the need for transparency.

“While the council has failed in service delivery, it’s also mired in corruption scandals. The findings of the commission of inquiry should serve as a wake-up call for reform,” he said.

Despite these challenges, there are calls for the continuation of independent audits by the Commission of Inquiry to address the root causes of the council’s failures.

“Audits are a step in the right direction. They help expose wrongdoing and ensure accountability. What is needed now is strict enforcement of recommendations from these investigations,” said James Moyo, a business owner in the city centre.

As public frustration grows, the council faces increased pressure to deliver tangible results and restore confidence among Harare’s citizens.