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Update on the Combined Harare Residents Association
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
August 23, 2004

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) would like to thank publicly those residents who responded so generously to our recent appeal for donations to assist the association in its battle for accountable local government. The funds were used primarily to oppose the dismissal of the democratically-elected Executive Mayor of Harare, Elias Mudzuri as well as bringing an urgent application to suspend the 2004 city budget . Unfortunately these efforts were unsuccessful but CHRA remains committed to securing genuine democracy at Town House and is engaged in a number of initiatives to this end.

We reject the fraudulent actions of the regime that have negated the gains we made in 2002 when the illegal Chanakira Commission was ejected. The incessant meddling by Chombo (including the subversion of Makwavarara and other weak councillors) makes a mockery of our democratic rights. Those councillors who are unhappy with membership of a particular party should resign from council and renew their mandate with the people who elected them.

The charade at Town House must cease. CHRA calls upon all remaining councillors who continue to participate in this sorry circus to resign en masse to send a clear message to the regime that they will no longer tolerate the farcical situation.

We further call upon ratepayers and residents to consider withholding payment of rates and other charges until the situation is rectified through free and fair elections and the end of the regime's interference.

We have recently filed papers to obtain a court order to compel the regime to hold elections for the post of Executive Mayor. The Urban Councils Act is very clear on the requirement to hold elections within two months of the dismissal of the Mayor. We are alarmed by the statement from Chombo that elections will not be held until 2006 as if our constitutional rights are bestowed at the pleasure of the minister. Such statements are indicative of the contempt that this regime has for basic civil rights, a contempt that forced us to go to the courts in 2001 on the very same issue. The respondents in this case include the Registrar-General Mudede, Ministers Chombo and Chinamasa, as well as Sekesai Makwavarara. Yet again the regime fails to observe its own laws.

CHRA believes that we cannot achieve our goals without substantive changes at the national level. The constant interference by the regime in the affairs of local councils is unacceptable. Residents have a constitutional right to elect local government representatives who, contrary to Chombo's delusions, are neither an extension of central government nor obliged to follow to his partisan interventions. Local councillors should represent the interests of their local community and of the city as a whole. The Urban Councils Act is fatally flawed and should be changed to reflect the needs of residents rather than the hegemonic interests of any party ruling at the national level. CHRA has been working with residents throughout the country to seek inputs on the changes needed and has submitted its recommendations to the Ministry. It remains to be seen whether or not the Minister will embrace our recommendations or not.

We appeal for further donations for the difficult period ahead of us. The threats from the regime are substantial and imminent. If residents value the work CHRA has done, then it is up to you to support CHRA. Donations in cash or kind can be sent to our offices at 11 Armagh Rd Eastlea.

Yours

M J Davies
Chairperson
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)

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