By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess Of Harare
Harare, Zimbabwe (News Of The South) – Harare City Council’s recent proposals to introduce new levies – for water infrastructure, emergency services, and public lighting – have been met with fierce resistance from residents. This pushback stems not from a refusal to contribute to essential services, but from a deep-seated distrust rooted in the council’s persistent failure to account for existing funds and address systemic corruption. The public notice issued by Harare City council on March 20, 2025 is an insult to Harare residents who for decades have known about public funds embezzlement but continue to get a raw deal. Harare city council firet need to play their oart and rectify the mal administration before taking further money from Harare’s residents.
As Princess oF Harare I would like to challenge the Harare city Council to first reduce salaries of the fat cats who are milking Harare residents money and channel some of that money into the developments they claim to want to implement. It is not fair that the city of Harare continue to play deaf and ignore communication from Harare residents.
For years, Harare’s residents have endured deteriorating infrastructure, erratic water supplies, inadequate emergency response, and poorly lit streets, all while paying rates and taxes. The council’s inability to demonstrably improve these services, despite substantial revenue streams, has fuelled a narrative of mismanagement and alleged embezzlement.
The Core Issue: Lack of Accountability
The primary reason residents are vehemently opposed to new levies is the council’s chronic lack of transparency and accountability. Reports of misappropriated funds, inflated procurement contracts, and opaque financial dealings have become commonplace. Without a clear and credible audit of existing funds, residents are understandably reluctant to entrust the council with additional financial resources.
Missing Funds and Unaudited Accounts: The council’s financial records are often marred by inconsistencies and a lack of comprehensive audits. This raises serious concerns about the whereabouts of existing revenue and the efficacy of its expenditure. Inflated Salaries and Allowances: Public perception holds that a significant portion of the council’s budget is consumed by exorbitant salaries and allowances for top officials. Residents argue that these funds should be redirected towards service delivery. Corruption and Mismanagement: Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have eroded public trust. The council’s inability to effectively address these issues has further exacerbated the situation.
The Demand: Prioritize Existing Resources and Reform
Residents are not opposed to paying for improved services, but they demand that the council first demonstrate its ability to manage existing resources responsibly. Before imposing new levies, the council must:
Conduct a Comprehensive Audit: An independent and transparent audit of the council’s finances is crucial to establish the true state of its financial affairs. Reduce Operational Costs: The council must prioritize service delivery over administrative overheads. This includes streamlining operations and reducing unnecessary expenditures, especially in regards to top official salaries and allowances. Implement Transparent Procurement Processes: Stringent and transparent procurement procedures are essential to prevent inflated contracts and ensure value for money.
Improve Service Delivery: Residents need to see tangible improvements in water supply, emergency response, and public lighting before they are willing to contribute additional funds. Address Corruption: The council must take decisive action to investigate and prosecute allegations of corruption.
Chopping Salaries and Addressing Embezzlement:
The public perception that officials are embezzling funds from the council is very strong. Until the council address this perception by performing a deep dive into its own financial dealings and making those results public, there will be no trust. The public also demands that the council immediately cut excessive salaries and allowances.
Harare City Council’s proposed levies are not inherently unreasonable, but they are ill-timed and poorly justified. Until the council demonstrates a commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management, residents will continue to resist any further financial burdens. The path to improved service delivery lies not in imposing new levies, but in restoring public trust through demonstrable reforms and responsible stewardship of existing resources.
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