Ministry Orders Harare Clean-Up; Mayor Under Pressure

The Ministry of Local Government has ordered Harare to clean verges and revive dying trees, citing neglect and poor maintenance, in a move that puts Mayor Jacob Mafume under pressure to show rapid, visible improvement (image source)

The Ministry of Local Government has ordered the City of Harare to immediately clean roadside verges and revive neglected green spaces, citing “severe neglect” despite major government investments made ahead of regional events. The directive, contained in a letter dated 26 September 2025, places fresh pressure on Mayor Jacob Mafume and city administrators to deliver visible results.

The letter from the Office of the Secretary to the Acting Town Clerk accuses the municipality of failing to maintain roadsides and planted trees, warning that many have died from lack of care. It demands an urgent maintenance plan, accountability mechanisms and evidence of action within weeks. The Ministry described the current state of Harare’s public areas as an “eyesore” and a safety hazard, urging pruning, watering, replacement of dead trees and public reporting on progress.

The move aligns with government-led Operation Chenesa Harare, a nationwide clean-up campaign promoting sustained waste management and civic participation. It also serves as a rebuke to city leadership, highlighting a gap between earlier beautification efforts ahead of the 2024 SADC Summit and the capital’s current state.

Mayor Mafume, who has previously led anti-illegal structure campaigns and pledged to restore cleanliness, now faces mounting political pressure. Sources at Town House and independent reports show refuse collection and verge maintenance have been inconsistent amid budget constraints, unreliable contractors and limited field crews.

Urban management experts say visible improvements will require short-term surge measures — more crews, vehicles, saplings, and regular watering — alongside long-term solutions such as ring-fenced maintenance budgets, strict contractor audits and transparent dashboards to track performance. The Ministry’s letter, officials said, effectively gives Harare a narrow window to act before further directives or sanctions are considered.

“The lack of attention to these critical aspects of urban management has not only tarnished the image of the city but has also jeopardised the safety, health and well-being of its residents,” the letter reads.