Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
GOVERNMENT has demanded accountability following the Budiriro tragedy that claimed three lives after victims were recovered from a mud-filled sewer trench in the high-density suburb on Monday.
The call came as Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa visited the scene on Tuesday alongside officials from the City of Harare and the Civil Protection Unit to assess the situation and console grieving families.
The tragedy has sparked concern over safety measures at construction and rehabilitation sites, with authorities now seeking answers on how the incident occurred.
During the visit, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume briefed the minister on remedial measures being undertaken, saying efforts were underway to complete the rehabilitation works and secure the site.
“We have put measures in place to expedite the work that was being done here, so that it is finished,” said Councillor Mafume.
“We anticipate that within the next two to three hours they would have laid the missing pipe and backfilled the area.”
The mayor also pledged support to the affected families through the city’s funeral assistance programme.
“We have a funeral policy and the funeral association will provide all the services that are required at a funeral, including the mortuary, coffins and burials for those that need to be buried here in Harare and outside Harare,” he said.
Senator Tawengwa said authorities would work closely with the City of Harare to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and ensure lessons are drawn from the incident.
“The biggest question is how this tragic incident happened,” he said.
“We are saying the City Council should be responsible for protecting residents in the event of construction or rehabilitation works so that people can be safe.”
He added that both government and local authorities would remain actively involved in the investigations.
“Both the government and the city council will be on the ground looking into the situation.”
The incident has intensified scrutiny of safety procedures at public works sites, with calls for stronger safeguards to protect communities during infrastructure rehabilitation projects.
Investigations into the Budiriro tragedy are continuing as the City of Harare presses ahead with sewer rehabilitation works in the area.
Authorities are expected to determine whether adequate safety measures were in place and what steps are required to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.
