Harare Correspondent
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
HARARE – Councillor Jacob Mafume, the Mayor of Harare, has vowed to build on the achievements of the past year, despite the city’s failure to meet its ambitious goal of becoming a world-class city by 2025.
This pledge comes in the wake of growing frustration among residents regarding the City’s inability to provide essential services, including water, transport, waste management, and energy.
The target set in 2014 now appears unattainable, leading to widespread criticism of the local government. Many residents have noted a concerning decline in service delivery rather than the expected improvements.
Despite these challenges, Clr Mafume remains optimistic about the future of Harare.
“We are a resilient and resourceful nation. We are looking towards 2025 to consolidate and deepen the progress that we have made this year,” he stated.
Clr Mafume also reaffirmed his belief in Harare’s position as the leading city in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the need for the city to be a place of opportunity.
“Harare is the go-to city for most people in Zimbabwe. We must make it not only a destination of choice, but also a place where people can achieve their dreams, live in peace, and work in hope,” he said.
Financially, the City is grappling with significant revenue leakages. Reports indicate that only US$100 was collected from tuckshops between January and April of last year. In contrast, after implementing a resolution requiring compliant tuckshops in residential areas to pay fees, the city managed to collect ZiG185,741,819 between April and September 2024.
Clr Mafume labeled the revenue discrepancy as “unacceptable” and pledged to hold the responsible department accountable for the lapses. As the mayor looks to the future, he aims to address these issues and restore residents’ confidence in the city’s administration.
Zim GBC News©