Story by Memory Chamisa
SENATORS have called for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into what they described as a recurring pattern of negligence by local authorities following the deaths of three Budiriro residents who fell into an unsecured sewer drainage pit in separate incidents.
The calls came as Government confirmed it has launched an investigation into the tragedy, citing negligence by the Harare City Council that resulted in the loss of lives.
Responding during Thursday’s Question and Answer session in the Senate, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe said those responsible must be held accountable.
“The deaths call for criminal accountability against council officials responsible for the excavation. We have since initiated a team to probe and we await a police report. The tragedy was preventable; unfortunately, it led to loss of life caused by negligence. Disciplinary action against those responsible will be taken and compensation for the affected families made.”
The debate also turned to the issue of housing for civil servants, with Government outlining measures being implemented to expand access to affordable accommodation and improve land allocation systems.
Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Professor Paul Mavhima, said Government remains focused on accelerating housing delivery and upgrading informal settlements.
“The Government is on a trajectory of an accelerated delivery of affordable and decent housing units to meet the growing demand across urban and rural areas, upgrading informal settlements into planned, serviced and dignified communities and expansion of social amenities such as schools, clinics, roads, water and sanitation infrastructure remain our priority.”
Government has also intensified Public-Private Partnerships as part of efforts to accelerate housing development projects across the country.
