By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru
Harare, Zimbabwe( News of The South) – The city of Harare pulsates with energy and opportunity, it is also burdened by the strain on its infrastructure and resources. In this context, a critical question arises: Should Harare continue to aggressively sell land for residential development, or should it implement a temporary halt until fundamental challenges are addressed? This article argues that a moratorium on significant residential land sales is not just prudent, but essential for the long-term sustainability and well-being of Harare’s residents. Its annoying and also laughable that the city council who know theybare fsiling to manage the coty continue to see land despite talking about rapid urbanisation. It is comparable to a person who fully knows they have overfed themsekves but continue eating because they don’t want others to eat.
The current situation in Harare paints a stark picture of overpopulation’s consequences. The city’s existing infrastructure – from roads and water systems to sanitation and waste management – is struggling to keep pace with the burgeoning population. Selling more land for residential purposes without addressing these underlying issues will only exacerbate the existing problems, leading to a decline in the quality of life for all residents. This is honest truth which needs to be addressed. Any small piece of land availble is being sold for car sales or for residential development. Even oublic parks are being sold all over Harare to make way for building. The city council is being senseless in their actions. Instead of taking time to resolbe the already existing problems they continue to sell land all the money finds the way to their pockets. There is no effort to address many problems in the city. They would rather ignore complaints and suggestions from residents. Emails and letters sent to them are completely ignored and they even fail to acknowledge receiot of the letters. This is a coty council running the affairs of a capital city. I speak from experience, iver the last few years I have sent many letters to various depart.ents incmuding the Mayor, town clerk amongst others. Not a single response was received.
Here are compelling reasons why a pause on residential land sales is necessary:
1. Strained Infrastructure: Harare’s infrastructure is already stretched thin. Roads are congested, water supply is intermittent, and sewage systems are often overwhelmed. Adding more residential units without significant investment in upgrading and expanding these essential services will lead to further deterioration and increased hardship for residents. Imagine new communities without reliable water or proper sanitation – a recipe for public health crises and social unrest.
2. Inadequate Service Delivery: Basic service delivery in Harare is already under immense pressure. Waste collection is often erratic, leading to unsightly and unhealthy environments. Public transportation is inadequate to serve the current population, and schools and healthcare facilities are often overcrowded. Expanding residential areas without a corresponding increase in service capacity will further strain these already limited resources. While there is rapid expansion in Harare there is absence of expansion in the health sector and this is already a cause for concern as the few hospitals and clinics are not able to cope with volume needing medical attention.
3. Environmental Concerns: Unplanned and rapid urban expansion can have severe environmental consequences. Increased construction leads to deforestation and habitat loss. Overcrowding puts pressure on natural resources, including water sources. A pause would allow the city to develop a more sustainable urban development plan that prioritizes environmental protection.
4. Need for Comprehensive Planning: Before further residential development, Harare needs a comprehensive and updated urban development plan. This plan should address issues like density, zoning regulations, infrastructure development timelines, and environmental impact assessments. Selling land piecemeal without a clear long-term vision is a recipe for chaotic and unsustainable growth.
5. Addressing Existing Housing Backlogs: Instead of focusing solely on new land sales, the city should prioritize addressing the existing housing backlog and improving the living conditions in current residential areas. This could involve investing in upgrading existing infrastructure, regularizing informal settlements, and exploring innovative and affordable housing solutions.
6. Ensuring Sustainable Development: True development should be sustainable, meaning it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Continuing to sell land for residential purposes without addressing the fundamental challenges will create unsustainable urban sprawl and burden future generations with unresolved problems.
What should Harare do during this pause?
A temporary halt on significant residential land sales should be used as an opportunity for:
Comprehensive Infrastructure Upgrades: Investing in upgrading and expanding water and sanitation systems, roads, and public transport.
Strategic Urban Planning: Developing a robust and forward-thinking urban development plan that addresses current and future needs.
Improving Service Delivery: Strengthening waste management, public transportation, and other essential services.
Addressing Existing Challenges: Tackling the existing housing backlog and improving living conditions in current residential areas.
* Promoting Sustainable Practices: Implementing environmentally friendly urban development policies.
While the desire for homeownership and urban expansion is understandable, the current situation in Harare demands a more cautious and strategic approach. Continuing to sell land for residential development without resolving the city’s fundamental challenges is akin to building on a shaky foundation. A temporary pause on significant residential land sales is not a step backward, but a necessary measure to ensure a more sustainable, livable, and prosperous future for all residents of Harare. It is time for the city to prioritize addressing its growing pains before further expanding its footprint. Only then can Harare truly become a thriving and well-managed capital city for all its people.
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