Harare Can Shine Again: A Call to Collective Responsibility

By Chiyedzo Josiah Dimbo – Ambassador of Hope

Harare is taking a positive turn — and for that, the Harare City Council deserves a thumbs up. Their recent efforts to clear blocked drains and remove heaps of garbage from the city centre signal a readiness to act, especially with the rainy season approaching. After months of buildup, this clean-up initiative is not only timely but essential. It reminds us that progress begins with action, and action begins with accountability.

A Cleaner City Starts With Us All

While the Council’s intervention is a promising step, a truly clean and functional Harare requires something much bigger: shared responsibility.

Citizens Must Step Up

Every resident — commuters, business owners, employees, and passers-by — plays a crucial role in maintaining the city’s cleanliness. What we throw away, where we throw it, and how we handle waste directly affects the environment around us. Harare will only stay clean when we treat it like home, not a dumping ground.

Vendors Need Proper Waste Awareness

Vendors are an important part of the city’s economic fabric. They keep the heart of Harare beating with activity and commerce. But with that comes the responsibility to manage waste properly. Sensitisation campaigns targeting vending communities are essential, ensuring that waste disposal becomes a habit — not an afterthought.

Collaboration Is the Only Way Forward

A clean city is built through partnership: the City Council, vendors, and citizens working hand-in-hand. When these groups cooperate, solutions become practical, sustainable, and community-driven.

Going Beyond Clean-Ups: Fixing the Root Causes

Cleaning the city is a great start, but real progress demands tackling what causes the mess in the first place.

Fixing and Upgrading Infrastructure

Many drainage systems in Harare are outdated, damaged, or constantly clogged. To prevent recurring blockages, the Council needs to prioritise routine maintenance and system upgrades. Modern cities depend on modern infrastructure — Harare should be no exception.

Smarter Waste Management Systems

Effective waste management requires consistency. Regular waste collection, adequate garbage bins, and proper disposal facilities must be part of the city’s long-term plan. Without these, litter will always find its way back into the streets and drains.

Continuous Public Education

Change begins with awareness. Ongoing education campaigns — in schools, markets, on radio, and across social media — can help citizens understand the importance of responsible waste disposal. Cleanliness should be a shared cultural value, not just a response to council clean-up operations.

Credit Where It’s Due: Proactive Leadership

The Harare City Council has shown commitment by taking visible, proactive action. Clearing drains and removing waste is more than routine maintenance — it is a sign that the Council is listening and responding to public concerns. Their engagement with residents and vendors further reinforces the idea that community partnership is key to long-term transformation.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Alive

A cleaner Harare is not just possible — it is within reach. It requires continued effort, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Let us celebrate the Council’s initiative, but let us also play our part as citizens. The future of our capital depends on the choices we make today.

Harare can shine again. And together, we will make it shine.