Harare Edges Closer to New Dawn: Draft Master Plan Unveiled

By Loyd Matare

Harare is edging closer to a new era of structured growth and modernisation following the completion of the initial draft of its long-awaited master plan — a document set to reshape Zimbabwe’s capital into a truly world-class city.

Addressing residents yesterday at Golden Conifer, Mayor Jacob Mafume revealed that the city is now at the “penultimate stage” of crafting the transformative blueprint, which touches on critical areas such as transport, housing, energy, environment, water, and economic development.

“We are now at the penultimate stage of the master plan,” said Mafume.

“We are discussing the master plan with our consultant. There is going to be a review meeting with the Ministry of Local Government where a number of master plans will be discussed.”

Describing the master plan as the “engine of the nation,” Mafume stressed that Harare’s future depends on solid and inclusive planning to fix decades of chaotic, mushrooming developments.

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“This is the capital city, the engine of the nation. This is a strategic master plan that will speak to the development trajectories of the city and the nation at large,” he said.

“We needed to take as much time as possible and we are convinced that we have done a thorough job.

“We have got a product that will stimulate growth, ensure proper planning, and deal with problems of the past.”

Mafume also took time to acknowledge the role played by various stakeholders, including councillors, the Works and Town Planning Committee, and the finance department, which he jokingly described as having had to extract funds “like pulling teeth without anaesthetic.”

In a passionate call to action, he urged residents to actively engage with the plan once it is put on public display.

“We want to thank the residents for their patience. We call upon them to critique, adjust, and give feedback,” he said.

“People must not cry when their house becomes a sewage pond because they did not follow the master plan.

“You must pay attention, otherwise you might end up living in a sewage pond when you thought you were living in a mansion.”

As Harare stands on the verge of a long-overdue transformation, the onus is now on its citizens to help shape a sustainable and prosperous urban future.