Source: Harare gets flak over maintenance neglect -Newsday Zimbabwe
THE government has directed the City of Harare to implement a programme for greenery maintenance amid reports that trees planted ahead of last year’s Southern African Development Community (Sadc) summit have wilted.
Harare benefited from government investment in infrastructural development and beautification in preparation for the Sadc summit held last year, where the country assumed the rotational chairmanship of the regional bloc.
The facelift included infrastructural developments, such as road rehabilitation, as well as refashioning of the capital’s ambience.
The government directive, written by Local Government and Public Works ministry secretary John Basera addressed to Harare’s acting town clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, bemoaned the neglect “despite the remarkable investment in the well-being and aesthetic quality of the city by the government”.
“Implement a comprehensive plan for tree and greenery maintenance, including regular watering, pruning and planting. Dead or dying trees must be replaced promptly to maintain the city’s green cover,” Basera wrote in a letter dated September 26, 2025.
He told the City of Harare to allocate dedicated teams and resources to ensure roadsides are cleaned, weeds are removed and litter is properly managed.
This should be done regularly, not as a one-time effort, Basera said.
“Establish a system to track and report the progress of maintenance efforts. Residents should be informed about the steps being taken and should have a platform to raise concerns.”
He said council management must view leadership positions not as privileges but responsibilities, “and it is high time you start fulfilling them”.
“Over and above, the city is implored to consider these concerns seriously and take immediate steps to address them as the ministry and citizens at large are eager to see visible improvements.”
Basera said the city had become an eyesore, posing serious health hazards and safety risks to residents and visitors.
“The lack of attention to these critical aspects of urban management has not only tarnished the image of the city but has also jeopardised the safety, health and well-being of its residents.
“It is utterly unacceptable that issues as basic and essential as maintaining clean, well-kept roadsides and preserving greenery are being ignored. For a city that prides itself on progress and community well-being, the current state of affairs is both disgraceful and disheartening.”
He said the city’s once-thriving green spaces were dying due to negligence resulting in overgrown weeds and debris-filled roadsides.
“Trees that were planted to enhance the beauty of the city and provide environmental benefits are now dying due to negligence,” he said.
“Broken branches, untrimmed canopies and lack of watering have turned once-thriving green spaces into lifeless, unsightly patches. This disregard for greenery is a betrayal of the city’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
“The roadsides are riddled with overgrown weeds and debris, creating an eyesore for residents and visitors alike. These conditions not only diminish the aesthetic appeal of the city but also pose serious health hazards. The overgrowth of shrubs obstructs visibility for drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.”
Basera said the neglect had not only tarnished the city’s image but also jeopardised the well-being of its residents.
“The neglect of roadsides and trees directly impacts the quality of life for citizens. It reduces air quality, increases urban heat and creates an inhospitable environment for pedestrians,” he said.
“Furthermore, the failure to maintain greenery diminishes the city’s role in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity. Your continued indifference to these issues reflects poorly on the leadership and administration of this city.
“The residents deserve better than the current state of decay and mismanagement. As the management of the city, it is your duty to ensure that the city is clean, safe and liveable for everyone.”
Basera said the ministry demanded immediate and decisive action to address these issues without fail.
“Implement a comprehensive plan for tree and greenery maintenance, including regular watering, pruning and planting. Dead or dying trees must be replaced promptly to maintain the city’s green cover.”
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume also queried the drying of trees planted by the government ahead of the Sadc summit last year.
“I am hearing that the palm trees are drying. What is happening? I think people who are responsible for that must act and restore order,” he said during last week’s full council meeting.
Harare Residents Trust executive director Precious Shumba said the City of Harare should take full responsibility for all infrastructure that benefits it as an investment destination.
“Their failure to look after the palm trees may be deliberate because they were planted by central government without their involvement.
“However, the three tiers of government have a responsibility to share information and collaborate on development initiatives with one another, irrespective of which tier initiates the process,” he said.
“The unfortunate thing is that the national government has adopted a bossy attitude. The City of Harare has jurisdiction over the maintenance of roadsides and caring for trees under its control.”
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