City of Harare facing decay: Town Clerk

Leroy Dzenga

THE City of Harare leadership says the current physical state of the city is not conducive to meaningful economic activity.

The city has launched an urban renewal programme to spruce up its image.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Harare Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango, said population growth has worsened the dilapidation of infrastructure.

“There is a lot of urban decay especially in the Central Business District which is driving out business to other investment centres, some outside the country,” said Chisango.

Harare is striving to be a world-class city by 2025, but that dream may not be achieved if some properties in its prime business district do not receive a face lift.

“The appearance of most city buildings is not doing us a favour in attracting investment,” Chisango said.

Speaking at the same event, Mayor Herbert Gomba said for the initiative to be different from many other programmes launched by the city in the past which failed, resources should be availed.

“I therefore call upon residents and stakeholders to support us by paying their bills because these programmes require financial support. Without that some of these will remain a pipe dream,” Gomba said.

Harare residents wait with keen interest to see if this initiative by the city fathers will take the city a step towards world-class status by 2025.