Harare Residents Reject Budget Hikes as City Proposes Steep Utility Tariff Increases

Harare residents have rejected steep water tariff hikes proposed in the city’s US$690.8 million 2026 budget, demanding fairer rates, social safeguards, and greater transparency (image source)

HARARE — A wave of public outrage has followed the release of Harare City Council’s draft US$690.8 million 2026 budget, which proposes sharp increases in water and utility tariffs across residential areas. The plan, tabled by the council’s finance committee, has triggered criticism from residents’ associations, civic groups, and consumers who accuse the city of ignoring economic hardships facing ordinary citizens.

According to the draft, water charges in high-density suburbs would rise from US$1.24 to US$2.00 per kilolitre — a 61% increase — while low-density areas face a steeper jump from US$1.70 to US$4.90 per kilolitre, nearly 188% higher. The council argues that the hikes are necessary to close funding gaps and support infrastructure rehabilitation, but many residents say the proposal is unrealistic and punitive.

“The charges are simply not affordable for families already stretched by food, fuel, and transport costs,” said a representative of the Combined Harare Residents Association, which is leading objections. Community leaders warned the increases could push low-income households toward unsafe water sources or reliance on unregulated vendors, heightening public-health risks.

Council officials defended the move, saying revenue from adjusted tariffs would be channelled toward water network upgrades, road maintenance, waste management, and billing system improvements. “We cannot sustain critical services on a shrinking revenue base,” a senior finance official said, stressing that years of deferred maintenance have worsened system losses and service breakdowns.

Policy analysts and economists, however, called for a balanced approach that safeguards the poor while addressing infrastructure deficits. Recommendations included phased tariff increases, lifeline water allocations for vulnerable consumers, ring-fencing funds for visible service delivery improvements, and greater budget transparency to rebuild public confidence.

The council has pledged to conduct public consultations and hearings before finalising the budget, allowing residents to submit objections and proposals. The outcome will determine whether Harare can finance service rehabilitation without inflaming civic discontent.

The budget debate underscores a wider governance challenge — finding an equilibrium between fiscal recovery and social protection in a city grappling with deteriorating infrastructure and mounting public frustration. As the final budget vote approaches, Harare faces the task of balancing accountability, affordability, and service quality to regain citizen trust.