By Wallace Mawire
The Combined Harare Residents Association, (CHRA) , has implored the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure that restoration of basic public services in Harare is a central priority of the 2027 National Budget.
CHRA said as residents, they need assurance that their submissions will translate into concrete budgetary allocations and measurable improvements.
The association said Harare residents continue to face serious challenges in accessing reliable and affordable water, functional roads, efficient waste collection, adequate sewerage systems, public health services and properly maintained community infrastructure.
“We demand restoration of effective service delivery and we reiterate that water and sanitation must be a national priority,” CHRA said.
It said the persistent water crisis in Harare requires urgent and sustained investment.
CHRA also called for a dedicated national allocation towards the rehabilitation and expansion of Harare’s water and sewer infrastructure, including water treatment capacity, distribution networks, pumping infrastructure, reservoirs and sewerage systems.
CHRA said government must work with the City of Harare to ensure that investments in water infrastructure are transparent, properly monitored and directed towards areas experiencing the greatest shortages.
The association said Harare’s deteriorating road network requires urgent attention.
CHRA has further called for increased and clearly defined funding for the rehabilitation and maintenance of urban roads, bridges, drainage systems and other public infrastructure.
CHRA said such funding should be accompanied by clear project timelines, public disclosure of expenditure and mechanisms allowing residents to monitor
CHRA has reiterated that the 2027 National Budget should support sustainable waste collection, disposal, recycling and environmental management systems in Harare.
It said particular attention must be given to illegal dumping, blocked drainage systems and the protection of wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas from unsustainable development.
It added that prioritisation of public health services is key and CHRA reiterated that the National Health Insurance must be a top priority.
CHRA said it believes that sustainable service delivery requires financially viable and accountable local authorities.
CHRA also emphasised that the national budget should strengthen predictable and transparent fiscal transfers to local authorities while protecting local government revenues from unnecessary interference.
Government has been urged to also ensure that local authorities have the capacity to invest in infrastructure rather than spending an excessive proportion of their resources on recurrent expenditure.
“At the same time, local authorities must be held accountable for how public resources are collected and spent,” CHRA said.
CHRA is of the view that residents must have a meaningful voice on budget consultations and the provision should not become a box-ticking exercise.
“Our submissions must be reflected in final budget allocations, with clear feedback from Government on which proposals have been accepted, rejected or modified,” CHRA said.
CHRA has called for stronger participatory budgeting mechanisms at ward and city level, enabling residents to help determine development priorities in their communities.