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Residents Meeting Banned - A threat to democracy
Combined Harare Residents' Association (CHRA)
January 21, 2004

The Residents of Harare have been denied a golden opportunity to occupy their democratic space by the harsh order from the Zimbabwe Republic Police to abolish the planned public meeting meant to discuss the state of Harare with specific reference to the recently announced 2004 Harare City Council budget. This was despite the fact that police had been notified and had given their "approval".

Civic participation in the City's budget formulation process is one of the key pillars of good and accountable local governance. After the supersonic speed with which the budget was adopted (in 4 minutes with 6 speakers), Combined Harare Residents Association felt obliged to update its membership (the residents and ratepayers of Harare) on the impact of such a move.

The patriotic Hararians, as well as residents and ratepayers from Ruwa, Norton and Chitungwiza who thronged the Jameson Hotel were dismayed by the last minute call for the abortion of the meeting by the Zimbabwe Republic Police for "Security reasons". The notion by the police that there was "perceived violence" likely to take place at the meeting was not only unfounded but blatant hallucination as people wanted to debate the impact of the proposed rates by council. (E.g. the fact that residents will now be required to pay an average of $ 48,000.00 - $70,000.00 in water charges alone per month in the first quarter, and between $250,000.00 to $300,000.00 per month by October 2004 and Parking Fees of about $5,000.00 per hour)

The move by the Z.R.P to deny the residents their democratic rights to expression and association is a clear testimony of deliberate efforts to frustrate the citizens' effort in participating in the decision- making processes. This is contrary to today's assertion in The Herald that Zimbabwe is defending the rights of its citizens. Combined Harare Residents Association acknowledges the presence of members of the business community, elected officials, residents both young and old at the public meeting. We urge you to remain resolute in reclaiming and occupying our democratic space.

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