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Rhetoric must end
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
March 05, 2006

THE City of Harare has become specialists in publishing their wish lists. They have said they are going to buy tractors to collect refuse, they have also said they want to hire a private security company to safeguard some of the municipality's property, and they have also said they want to improve service delivery among other wishes they have announced through the media.

CHRA is not amused by this trend. The City of Harare has a reputation for releasing statements and pronouncements that are more political than substantial.

We wait to see the city authorities removing the mounds of garbage that continue to pile at most shopping centres in Harare high-density areas. We wait to see the day they will repair burst sewer pipes in Rujeko Street in Dzivarasekwa, Highfield, Kuwadzana, Mufakose, Glen Norah, Glen View, Santosa Park, Mabvuku and Tafara.

What we know for certain about their service delivery is that they have left burst water pipes unprepared for more than three months in some cases.

Any pronouncements coming from Town House must be backed by immediate action. We do not need to go for several weeks after an announcement has been made, only to realise that it was merely a lie to try and keep the restive Harare population appeased. The politics of appeasement ended long back and we will not take any statements for granted.

Latest rates bills indicate anything above $3 million. This will get worse after three months according to their budget projections. They need to come out clear on the billing system in relation to the 2006 budget.

CHRA monitors service delivery in Harare and keep residents informed. We demand service delivery in all parts of Harare and would ask the municipality to start acting on issues of concern to residents.

Residents need a committed Municipality that listens to their concerns. Refuse must be collected. Burst sewer and water pipes must be repaired as a matter of urgency. Grass cutting along our roads must be expedited to save our children from avoidable muggings and unnecessary road accidents.

Service delivery must remain top of the priority list. Residents are developing coping mechanisms that will ensure the City of Harare does not forget its duties and responsibilities towards residents.

When they deliver, there would be no reason for CHRA to condemn the City of Harare.

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