Residents of Dzivarasekwa in Ward 39 pressed city officials for urgent improvements to roads, recreational facilities, and youth empowerment initiatives during a pre-budget consultative meeting held Sunday at Dzivarasekwa 2 Community Hall.
The event, part of the City of Harare’s annual budget planning process, drew a vocal crowd determined to have their concerns reflected in the 2026 municipal budget.
Although attendance was lower than expected, those present made their voices heard on a range of issues, with the most pressing being the poor state of local roads, the lack of youth projects, and the need to prioritize opportunities for the Dzivarasekwa community.
“We must listen and act. Road rehabilitation, youth projects, and recreational facilities are not luxuries—they are necessities for a healthy, thriving community,” said Ward 39 Councillor Stephen Dhiwayo, who facilitated the meeting.
“Dzivarasekwa is growing, and our people must come first. If there are opportunities in our area, Dzivarasekwa residents should be the first to benefit. That is the spirit of the ‘Dzivarasekwa First’ motto, and I fully support it.”
Councillor Dhiwayo also addressed the city’s ongoing revenue challenges, particularly concerning low municipal bill payments among residents. He proposed a survey to find out the reasons behind the low payment rates.
“We cannot simply demand payment without understanding the challenges our people face. I am calling for a comprehensive survey to find out exactly why residents are not paying their bills as they should. This will help us encourage payment and improve our service delivery,” he said.
Dhiwayo further assured residents that the city is working to resolve chronic issues with the billing system.
“We are making every effort to improve the billing system. Residents deserve transparency and accuracy, and we are committed to delivering that,” he said.
With Dzivarasekwa’s population rapidly increasing, residents called for special attention to the community’s elderly, requesting proper implementation of discount policies for senior citizens.
“We have many senior citizens in our community. Those aged 65 and above should receive their 50 percent discounts on municipal services. It’s not just policy—it’s about respecting and supporting those who have built this community,” said Councillor Dhiwayo.
In response to widespread concern about youth unemployment and substance abuse, City of Harare Region 4 Area Manager Marian Mverechena pledged that the city would partner with young people to promote entrepreneurship and skills development.
“Beginning in 2026, the City of Harare will work closely with young people in Dzivarasekwa, promoting youth projects and entrepreneurship on council properties that are currently lying idle. We recognize the need to create opportunities for our youth and will prioritize this in our development agenda,” said Mrs. Mverechena.
“We want to see young people not just as beneficiaries, but as partners in building a better Dzivarasekwa. By unlocking the potential of idle council properties, we can create spaces for innovation, skills development, and enterprise.”
