Residents to blame for Harare’s failure to be a World-Class City

Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, once held the promise of becoming a world-class city by 2025, a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and community. However, this dream seems to have faltered, not merely due to external factors, but largely because the residents themselves have not actively fought for it.

Today, the city suffers from all sorts of challenges from contaminated drinking water, potholed roads, streets devoid of names and numbers, a broken waste management system, the list is endless. The time has come for Harare’s residents to rise, demand change, demand services and reclaim the vision of a world-class city that they rightfully deserve.

The most pressing issue that Harare faces is the quality of its drinking water. Contaminated water not only poses serious health risks but also undermines the very foundation of a thriving city. Residents are forced to rely on boreholes, wells, and other unsafe sources, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases regularly. This public health crisis highlights a fundamental failure in governance and infrastructure, yet many residents have become complacent, accepting these dire circumstances as the norm. Wake up Harare residents.

Moreover, the state of the city’s roads is a reflection of its neglect. Potholes have become ubiquitous, turning simple commutes into hazardous journeys. This not only affects daily life but also hampers economic activities. Businesses struggle to operate efficiently when their logistics are impeded by poor infrastructure. The failure to maintain roads signals a lack of investment in the city’s future and a disregard for the residents’ comfort and safety.

In the new residential areas, the absence of street names and numbers complicates navigation and emergency response efforts. It reflects a disorganised urban environment that is unwelcoming to both residents and visitors. A world-class city demands clear organisation and accessibility, yet Harare falls short in these basic aspects. The lack of a coherent urban plan not only affects day-to-day life but also discourages tourism and investment.

Perhaps the most frustrating issue is the inefficiency of refuse collection. Residents pay for waste management services, yet the rubbish often piles up on street corners, creating not only unsightly scenes but also health hazards. This situation demonstrates a broader failure in municipal governance, where residents feel powerless despite fulfilling their civic responsibilities. The expectation of basic services should not be a luxury but a right, citizens should not have to fight for what they are owed.

The failure to address these crises lies not solely with the authorities but also with the apathy of the residents. For too long, the people of Harare have accepted these challenges as insurmountable, resigning themselves to a state of hopelessness. However, change is only possible when individuals unite and demand better. The time has come for Harare’s residents to stop being passive observers and to become active participants in their city’s future.

Harare deserves a renaissance a resurgence that prioritises the health, safety, and well-being of its inhabitants. Residents must come together to voice their demands, advocate for transparency in governance, and push for sustainable development. Civic engagement, community organization and a shared vision for a better Harare can catalyse the change needed to transform the city into the world-class destination it has the potential to be.

The dream of a world-class Harare by 2025 is not dead, it is merely dormant, waiting for its residents to breathe life back into it. By standing together and demanding the city they deserve, the people of Harare can reclaim their narrative and build a brighter future for generations to come. The time for action is now.

Harare residents should demand a world-class city by any means or all means.