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Kambuzuma public meeting affirms CHRA water protest position
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
October 31, 2011

On Friday 28 October 2011, CHRA held a public meeting in Kambuzuma Section 2 Community Hall as part of its community social service consultative program. A total of 122 residents attended this meeting including the CHRA local ward structure. The meeting was meant to provide a platform for local residents to interact with City of Harare (COH) officials and ask pertinent questions about issues affecting them, although none of the officials pitched up. The meeting then focused on the current challenges on water and what CHRA should do. Some of the issues raised in the meeting are detailed below:

  • Residents in Kambuzuma resolved to join the leadership of CHRA in mobilising for upcoming street protests on power and waters shortages.
  • Residents expressed their discontent to COH and ZESA officials who are not willing to attend residents meetings to give feedback and answer to residents' concerns. The local committee resolved to send a petition today, Monday 31 October 2011, to the Town Clerk on the above issue.
  • Residents resolved to conduct a localised demonstration in response to council officials who disregard residents as key stakeholders in service delivery.
  • Council promised to supply Area 6 with reliable water supply but up to date but nothing has happened and residents in these areas are faced with a looming cholera outbreak.
  • Kambuzuma has no market stalls for residents to operate from. Residents urged CHRA to approach the relevant offices on this issue.
  • ZESA and COH are not reading meters and using estimates to bill residents.

CHRA is in the process to mobilising its members and other stakeholders including Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalitition, ZIMCODD, the Women's movement for upcoming protests to address the critical shortage of water. The COH confirmed in its last council meeting that residents should brace for more shortages of water, as there is no solution in sight. Harare needs about 1300 mega-litres of water per day yet the COH is producing about 600 mega litres of which 250-300 mega litres are lost through leakages. Ironically, the COH collects about 41% of its revenue from water services. Last month the COH approved a USD 141million loan from China which it claims will address problems of water. Thus, CHRA seeks to pressure COH of prioritise water services in its operations.

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