In a recent development, the Harare City Council has resolved to approach the government to extend the deadline for producing a new master plan for the city. This comes after residents have pleaded with the city authorities to continue the consultation process.
Last November, President Emmerson Mnangagwa ordered all 92 councils across Zimbabwe to come up with comprehensive master plans by June 30, 2023. The aim was to curb the proliferation of haphazard settlements in the country's urban areas.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume convened a special full council meeting to deliberate on this matter. While expressing confidence in the city's planning department and its ability to meet the impending deadline, Mafume said residents have requested that the council seek a deadline extension of at least two months.
"We are confident of meeting the deadline because we have the biggest planning department in the country. We have highly qualified personnel and we have done over five area plans in terms of the law," Mafume stated.
However, he acknowledged that developing a master plan for Harare, the country's capital, is more complex and expensive compared to other local authorities. Mafume indicated that there is a need for more data gathering due to Harare's large size and significance.
Notably, Harare residents have previously exposed the city council for allegedly trying to smuggle in a master plan without proper public consultation, which is a legal requirement. This led to calls for the government to reject the proposed plan and for further engagement with the community.
Master plans typically span 10 to 15 years and serve as a blueprint to guide a city's growth, development, and future vision. Harare's last master plan was unveiled in 1996, and the city has budgeted $3 million to develop a new one in compliance with the government's directive.
While most local authorities across Zimbabwe engaged consultants as early as January 2023, Harare City Council only announced the tender for the master plan in early June, just weeks before the deadline. This has prompted the council's request for a deadline extension to ensure meaningful public participation and a comprehensive planning process.
