Community Mirror Reporter
Harare’s Ward 9 residents gathered at Greendale Sports Club last Thursday evening for their first quarterly feedback meeting of 2025, where Councillor Prince Mutebuka outlined several major initiatives including a new city-wide digital system, nature reserve development, and improved waste management services.
The meeting highlighted the ward’s proactive approach to protecting green spaces while embracing technological advancement to improve service delivery. Key developments include the pending implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for City of Harare, progress on the Greengrove Nature Reserve project, and dedicated refuse collection services for the ward.
Speaking at the meeting Ward 9 Councillor Prince Mutebuka said that the City of Harare is pushing for a comprehensive master plan that will guide Harare’s development for the next 20 years.
“The master plan will address critical issues from infrastructure development to environmental conservation, all aligned with our residents’ vision for the future,” said Cllr Mutebuka.
The proposed ERP system aims to digitize the city’s operations, moving away from the current manual system.
“This digital transformation will significantly reduce corruption and improve efficiency in service delivery. The current analog system has many loopholes that cost the city resources,” said Mutebuka.
Greendale District Officer Mrs Stella Mukwedeya emphasized the importance of community engagement in addressing local concerns.
“My office maintains an open-door policy. We encourage residents to reach out whenever issues arise so we can work together towards solutions,” she said.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the progress report on the Greengrove Nature Reserve project. Mrs Susan Chirikure, the reserve’s representative, shared exciting developments.
“We have secured approval for the Memorandum of Understanding with City of Harare. The reserve will feature a 3-kilometer jogging track, football facilities, and serve as a crucial bird sanctuary, making it a destination point for Harare,” she said.
The ward has also seen improvements in road infrastructure, though challenges remain.
Mr Tigere from the City of Harare roads department acknowledged ongoing challenges in their efforts to repair roads and pleaded with residents to give the City of Harare at least two weeks to finish repairs which had been temporarily halted in the area.
Councillor Prince Mutebuka also said that in the face of many challenges Ward 9 has managed to register some successes in repairs and said they will continue to push developers to contribute to infrastructural development.
“While we have addressed several critical repairs, including the seven-month-old burst pipe in Charlotte, we are working closely with developers to ensure new construction projects don’t damage existing infrastructure,” said Mutebuka.
Other key announcements included:
- A dedicated refuse compactor for Ward 9, improving waste management services
- Plans for establishing local markets with proper ablution facilities
- A proposed expansion of the Greendale clinic, including a new waiting mothers’ shed
- Participation in the upcoming Ramsar Conference (COP15) highlighting the ward’s wetland conservation efforts
The ward, which covers areas including Greendale, Mandara, Masasa, and other suburbs around these areas, continues to demonstrate leadership in community-driven development initiatives. The next feedback meeting is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
Residents interested in contributing to these initiatives or requiring more information can contact the District Officer’s office or the Greendale Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA).
