Story by John Nhandara
THREE out of the four local authorities within the Harare Metropolitan Province have completed their master plans in response to the Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery Blueprint, as directed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in November 2023.
The directive mandated all local authorities to develop comprehensive master plans that speak to and address challenges relating to service delivery and the completed master plans by Chitungwiza Municipality, Epworth Local Board, and Ruwa Local Board are set to guide sustainable urban development and address longstanding service delivery challenges affecting residents.
Speaking on the development, Councillor Nyarai Rutsito, Chairperson of the Epworth Local Board, said the master plan focuses on addressing human settlement issues, including the regularisation of informal settlements.
“The master plan speaks to areas such as human settlements and the regularisation of these in Epworth, among other critical issues,” he said.
In Chitungwiza, Mayor Councillor Rosaria Mangoma highlighted that their master plan targets key service delivery obstacles, including access to clean water and the illegal parcelling of land by barons.
“Chitungwiza Municipality is seized with water challenges and land baron issues, which we believe can be effectively addressed through the implementation of our master plan,” Councillor Mangoma said.
Meanwhile, Harare City Council is yet to finalise its own master plan. Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume indicated that the size and complexity of the capital city required more extensive consultation and stakeholder engagement.
“It is a process. Given the size of our institution, we could not finalise the master plan in the same timeframe as the other councils. However, consultations are underway to ensure the plan addresses key issues such as health emergencies and environmental concerns,” he said.
The Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, lauded the progress made so far and reiterated that the blueprint provides a clear guide for service delivery reform.
“The No Compromise to Service Delivery Blueprint is clear in guiding local authorities during the master planning process. We have identified critical areas to improve service delivery in Greater Harare, and I am pleased that three local authorities have already concluded this important exercise,” he said.
The blueprint emphasises comprehensive planning in areas such as water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, road infrastructure, land utilisation, and corporate governance. Each master plan is expected to reflect strategic interventions aligned with these priorities.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to building resilient, well-planned urban environments through accountable and responsive local governance.
