The Harare City Council is facing growing criticism after attempting to overturn a High Court ruling that directed the municipality to repair the deteriorating Mbare flats and restore access to essential services such as water and sanitation.
The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has denounced the council’s appeal, accusing it of rejecting its constitutional obligations.
According to CHRA, the council’s legal challenge reflects a “deliberate neglect” of residents’ rights and basic living standards.
The City of Harare has lodged a formal appeal against a judgment by Justice Priscilla Munangati-Manongwa, which ordered the council to take immediate action to improve the habitability of several Mbare flats, including Matapi, Matererini, and Nenyere.
The appeal is scheduled for hearing on 18 July 2025 before Justice Manyangadze.
CHRA, which successfully brought the case to court, has expressed alarm over the appeal, warning that it delays much-needed intervention in a worsening humanitarian situation.
Residents in Mbare’s aging housing blocks continue to endure life-threatening conditions, including untreated sewage, water outages, and collapsing infrastructure.
The buildings are overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and lack adequate waste management.
CHRA’s Director, Reuben Akili, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“The situation in Mbare is catastrophic. That the city is contesting a court ruling aimed at restoring residents’ dignity and health is both shocking and unacceptable.”
CHRA has described the council’s resistance as a potential catalyst for a full-scale health emergency. The court had previously emphasized the urgency of addressing the unsafe and unhygienic conditions, which threaten public health and violate residents’ rights to dignity and clean living environments.
“Instead of implementing the judgment, the City is actively resisting it, raising alarm among rights groups and public health advocates,” said CHRA.
The appeal, CHRA argues, could prolong the crisis and expose thousands of families to worsening risks.
The move has triggered widespread backlash from residents and activists alike. In a public alert, CHRA warned:
“City of Harare is attempting to reverse a High Court decision compelling it to repair and restore water and sanitation services in Mbare. This is a direct threat to public health and housing rights. What’s next for Mbare?”
As pressure mounts, housing advocates are now urging intervention from national authorities, including the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Health, to enforce the court’s ruling and protect the welfare of Mbare’s vulnerable communities.
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