Harare Residents Associations Stand Firm Against Municipal Services Privatization
By Memory Chivhunga
The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) and the Harare Residents Trust (HRT) voiced their staunch opposition to the privatization of municipal services in Harare.
In a joint statement, CHRA and HRT criticized the City of Harare and the government for attempting to privatize essential services like waste management and water supply without proper consultation with residents and ratepayers, which they say undermines democratic governance.
“The City of Harare should provide transparent information on this matter, share decisions supporting the privatization of waste collection and water supply in the city, as well as reports on consultations with the residents,” the statement read.
CHRA and HRT highlighted that their demands align with Section 62 of the Constitution, which mandates public institutions to make information available in the public interest, protect human rights, and ensure public accountability.
“Hiding information from the residents creates the unfortunate impression that they have made other financially beneficial arrangements beyond the knowledge of the residents,” the statement continued.
The associations also called for clarity regarding the government’s push to change the ownership of Geo-Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd. Historically, the City of Harare managed waste services, which benefited the residents.
The move to privatize these services, they argue, threatens to transfer ownership to the elites, further undermining local governance and transparency.
Recently, government announced that it had approved the proposed privatization of Harare’s waste management services in response to a comprehensive update presented by Local Government and Public Works, Minister Daniel Garwe, during this week’s post-cabinet briefing.
