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HARARE, Zimbabwe — In preparation for the upcoming Southern African Development Community summit in August, the Harare City Council has temporarily handed over control of key services such as waste management, public transport management and road rehabilitation to the government.
The decision was taken following an assessment that the Council was constrained by capacity constraints and was unable to independently provide the required clean, safe and enabling environment for the regional summit.
As part of the plan, Harare and other local authorities will procure 120 new garbage trucks. To minimise traffic congestion during and after the event, large-scale road works have begun in several suburbs. Property owners along Airport Road and the road leading to Hampden Hill, the main venue for the summit, have until July 31 to improve the appearance of their properties.
The government is also working with the private sector to assist in solid waste management after the council recognised the limitations of solid waste management.
Mr Singirai Musamba, Director of Spatial Planning and Development at the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, stressed that the plan is aimed at achieving long-term urban renewal in Harare beyond the summit. “We are committed to improving people’s living conditions while improving the quality of services,” he said. “SADC summits will come and go, but what we really want to do is use it as a launching pad. Whatever standards we have achieved, we must continue to maintain them. In fact, we must improve further.”
Direct government involvement in service delivery is expected to significantly improve the city’s overall prospects. Mr Mushamba highlighted the successful implementation of waste management projects such as the Pomona Waste-to-Energy Plant and the ongoing procurement of 120 garbage compactors for local authorities to ensure proper waste management.
The government is also working to modernize Harare’s public transport system by attracting private investment to rebuild the bus fleet. The plan includes a transition to a modern electric bus system, and negotiations are ongoing to introduce zero-emission vehicles. Road rehabilitation work is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and shortening travel times, and there are plans to upgrade bus terminals across the city.
Mr Musamba outlined the government’s multifaceted approach to improving public transport. “The first is to engage the private sector. We are working behind the scenes with financial institutions and transport operators to rebuild the existing fleet. We have also been looking at how to modernise the fleet, moving from diesel engines to electric buses.”
In addition to roadworks on major arterial routes, the government plans to ensure that all roads are in trafficable condition to reduce traffic congestion and improve travel efficiency. Upgrading of bus terminals in major cities is also in the works.
Zimbabwe will host the Southern African Development Community Summit from August 8 to 18, and these extensive preparations ensure that the city is ready to welcome regional leaders and delegates. Government interventions are aimed at lasting improvements to Harare’s infrastructure and services, setting new standards for urban management in the capital.
Source: The Mail on Sunday
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