ZHRC Summons Harare Mayor Over Water Crisis, Cites Rights Violations
By Loyd Matare
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has taken a bold step by summoning top City of Harare officials over alleged violations of environmental and water rights, holding them accountable for the persistent water crisis and public health risks in the capital.
In a formal notice issued today, the ZHRC called Mayor Jacob Mafume as the first respondent, Acting Town Clerk Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo as the second respondent, and Acting Director for Water Engineer T.R. Kunyandini as the third respondent.
“Please take Notice that you are required, in terms of Section 12 (1) (a) of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Act [Chapter 10:30), to appear before the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission at Harare on the 4th day of July 2025, at 11:00 am to give evidence in connection with alleged violation of environmental rights, including the right to water in respect of Harare residence due to the contamination of Lake Chivero as well as the Cholera outbreaks in Harare in 2019 due to mismanagement of sewer,” the ZHRC said.
The commission is investigating long-standing concerns over the contamination of Lake Chivero, the city’s main water source and the 2019 cholera outbreaks, which were blamed on severe sewer mismanagement.
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The move signals increasing pressure on municipal authorities to urgently address water safety and sanitation, which have been a ticking time bomb for public health in the city.
In recent years, Harare residents have endured erratic water supplies and unsafe drinking water, sparking fears of new disease outbreaks.
The ZHRC’s intervention highlights the seriousness of these failures and the need for accountability at the highest levels.
All eyes are on the ongoing hearing, as residents and rights advocates await answers from the city’s leadership on one of Harare’s most critical and long-neglected crises.
More details will follow…
