Tragedy at Firle Sewage Plant: Two Harare Council Workers Die on Duty

Firle Sewage Plant (image source)

Harare was plunged into mourning this week after two Harare City Council workers died while carrying out maintenance at the Firle Sewage Treatment Works in Glen View. The incident, which occurred Thursday morning, has raised urgent questions about occupational safety standards in municipal operations.

According to eyewitnesses, the workers were performing routine tasks when tragedy struck. Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene, but both employees were pronounced dead.

City officials issued a brief statement:“We promise to get to the bottom of the matter. Investigations are underway by the ZRP, NSSA, and city officials.”

This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this month, another municipal employee died under similar circumstances at Manyame Park. Critics argue the council has consistently underfunded workplace safety, choosing crisis management over preventative measures. Experts in sewage plant management point to “dead air” zones — pockets of low oxygen that can suffocate workers in seconds. Without proper protective equipment or monitoring devices, employees remain dangerously exposed.

Union representative Simba Chikore said bluntly:“Many of our workers lack proper protective equipment. This tragedy could have been prevented.”

The incident has triggered renewed calls for mandatory safety audits across all council facilities as well as investment in personal protective equipment (PPE). There have also been calls for regular training in hazardous environment protocols. Beyond safety, the tragedy underscores the deeper governance crisis facing Harare. The capital’s ageing water and sewage infrastructure remains fragile, with Firle Plant often cited as a hotspot of inefficiency and environmental risk.

As investigations continue, families mourn, and city residents demand accountability, the deaths of these two men may yet become a catalyst for reform. Their loss highlights not just the cost of negligence but also the urgent need to modernize Harare’s public utilities.