Harare Mayor Engages with Public on Infrastructure Woes in Heated Online Discussion
By Dorrothy Moyo | Harare, Zimbabwe – In a spirited exchange on the social media platform X, Harare’s Mayor Jacob Mafume addressed public uproar over a contentious development along Highglen Road. This development has raised eyebrows due to its proximity to the critical Mbudzi Interchange, a major conduit for truck traffic from Zimbabwe to Zambia and South Africa.
The online debate was sparked by a citizen’s query about the wisdom of erecting a sizable complex near a key highway, crucial for heavy-duty trucks traversing the region. “That Mashwede thing on Highglen Road, how is that supposed to work?” tweeted mm@tigary, pointing out the potential logistical nightmare posed by the new buildings near the highway.
Responding to the tweet, Mayor Mafume acknowledged the legacy issues affecting the city’s development. “The sins of the past are fast catching up with us. A new master plan is being done. The uses of that and many other areas will be redefined and if there is to be a highway or rail or both, that will be the priority. Any land use is subject to common use,” he explained.
Visual Evidence and Ongoing Concerns
The discussion was enriched with satellite images showing the large warehouses erected alarmingly close to the heavily trafficked route. One image showed a series of large, dark-roofed buildings abutting directly against the bustling highway, marked by a red line indicating heavy vehicle presence. Another aerial shot provided a wider view of the urban area, highlighting the vast, dense layout of Harare with the controversial site circled in red.
In a follow-up post, Mayor Mafume elaborated on land acquisition and usage rights, suggesting room for regulatory adjustments. “The land once purchased or leased from government or council. A person can apply for change of use or temporary use. However, we have to check the specifics for this one,” he noted, hinting at possible future interventions.
As this dialogue continues, Mayor Mafume’s engagement demonstrates a commitment to addressing the concerns of Harare’s residents, while balancing the needs for urban expansion and infrastructure development. The community awaits further updates as the city’s new master plan unfolds, hoping for solutions that will enhance both traffic flow and safety in this rapidly growing metropolis.