Harare Correspondent
The Harare City Council (HCC) has been given a stern ultimatum by the Government to submit its comprehensive draft Master Plan by November 20, 2024, or face serious consequences.
This marks a critical moment for the council, as it is the only local authority in Zimbabwe yet to submit such a plan.
In a letter addressed to Mayor Jacob Mafume, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe emphasized that failure to meet the deadline would result in disciplinary action against the council and its senior management, particularly those responsible for the development of the master plan. This includes officials from various departments such as planning, finance, and legal affairs.
Minister Garwe noted that the City had previously submitted a placeholder document that did not meet the required standards, and he expressed frustration over the slow progress in crafting a comprehensive plan. He stated,
“If the Harare Master Plan will not be completed and placed on public display by November 20, I shall regard that as a gross miscarriage of a critical statutory obligation.”
The council is also seeking approval to pay approximately US$1.1 million owed to its planning contractor, Development Studio Africa Pvt Ltd, which was awarded a tender late in the planning process. Mayor Mafume has requested an advance payment to facilitate the commencement of work, data collection, and detailed studies necessary for the master plan.
Despite a directive from President Emmerson Mnangagwa for all councils to develop master plans by June 30, 2024, Harare City only awarded the tender for its master plan in June, significantly behind schedule. The last update to Harare’s master plan was in 1993, and the council has been scrambling to meet the new requirements.
The ultimatum from the government underscores the urgency for Harare City Council to expedite its planning processes. With the November 20 deadline looming, the council must navigate its financial obligations while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements to avoid potential disciplinary actions against its officials.
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