HARARE – The City of Harare is facing mounting pressure as an escalating sewage crisis threatens to trigger a potential cholera outbreak in several high-density suburbs, with residents reporting prolonged exposure to raw sewage and deteriorating sanitation conditions. Communities in Glen View, Kambuzuma, Mufakose and Mbare say burst sewer systems have gone unattended for weeks, with some blockages reportedly unresolved for up to three weeks.

HARARE – The City of Harare has installed approximately 30,000 smart water meters across several suburbs, triggering renewed debate over the balance between water availability, quality, and affordability. The rollout, part of the Harare Water Project in partnership with Helcraw Electrical, aims to replace ageing infrastructure with more than 320,000 smart prepaid meters across the capital.

HARARE – Jacob Mafume has ordered the immediate suspension of construction at Mabelreign Shopping Centre following allegations that a City of Harare councillor authorised the building of tuckshops on a designated parking area. The directive comes after a heated public debate erupted on 9 April 2026, with residents raising concerns over permanent structures being erected on land reserved for parking at the busy suburban centre.

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has announced stricter controls on fuel service stations in urban areas and introduced an expedited waiver process for land‑use changes, Chief Director of Spatial Planning and Development Shingirai Mushamba told the SundayMail. Under the new rules, fuel stations will no longer be permitted in residential zones unless they form part of approved shopping centres, and all stations must meet statutory buffer requirements and inclu