Wenslus Murape
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
HARARE Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has praised President Mnangagwa and his administration for initiating various world-class projects in the capital, which will help regain its Sunshine City status.
The Second Republic has facilitated the establishment of several premier facilities in Harare, including the Geo Pomona Waste Management Plant, the New Parliament Building, the refurbished Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, and the nearly completed Mbudzi Interchange, among other developments.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Local Government Association “All Councillors Indaba” held in Harare on Tuesday, Mayor Mafume expressed gratitude for the support from the Second Republic, saying critics had been proven wrong.
“Our Call to Action was issued. Some thought it was a means to punish us, but we must all agree that it helps us do our jobs. We thank His Excellency for that,” he said.
Mayor Mafume highlighted the progress made in Harare, noting that there were sceptics who claimed it would take forever for the city to achieve world-class status.
“So, I was saying to them, if someone woke up in 2024 after having died before that, they would be surprised that there was a world-class airport in Harare, they would also be surprised that there is a world-class Parliament in Harare, they would also be surprised that there is a world-class road on the West side of Harare, they would also be surprised that there is a world-class junction at Mbudzi, they would also be surprised that there is Joina City in the middle of the city,” he said.
Mayor Mafume urged his fellow councillors to focus on basic service delivery, emphasising that the Government was already doing more than enough.
He cited the recent involvement of the private sector in waste management, with Geo Pomona Waste Management taking over refuse collection in Harare.
“So, Vision 2025 was made in 2024. And I want to say that the Government has assisted Harare in trying to achieve that vision. What is needed is for us as councillors to complement that vision by providing the software, that is the service delivery issues around waste collection and waste management,” Mayor Mafume said, referencing the new facility at Geo Pomona.
The Harare Mayor also lobbied for continued Governmental support for all local authorities, similar to the assistance the capital has received.
“So, Mr President, I would like the help that has been extended to Harare to also be extended to other councils. So, we are thankful to the President. The help that has been extended to Harare through our Minister (Dr Daniel Garwe), the Minister that you gave us, has been very helpful to us,” he said. “And also, we thank the President for the improvement that is going to come to our conditions of service.”
President Mnangagwa has consistently urged local authorities across the country to deliver essential services to the people.
“It is of paramount importance that we respond to the calls of our people for sustainable, efficient, and affordable services. All stakeholders, at every level, and local leadership, should prioritise regular consultations with the people. No one and no place must be left behind,” he said.
