Residents of Matapi Flats in Mbare say they are enduring a worsening service delivery crisis marked by prolonged water shortages, electricity cuts and overflowing sewage, accusing the City of Harare of neglecting council-owned housing.
Mbilez24, which visited the flats and spoke to residents, was told that some blocks have gone close to two years without running water, while electricity has been unavailable for up to three months.
“Masewage anoyerera everyday kuno. Mvura hatina tatoona makore, magetsi acho hatina asi unotoona kupera kwemwedzi mabhiri achiuya achiti bhadharai,” said resident Pearson Chihwaku.
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Residents said raw sewage now flows inside and outside residential blocks, forcing tenants to unblock drains and clean toilets themselves after council officials allegedly refuse to attend to faults.
“Ma sink nema toilets tinosuka tega. Mvura tinotechera pa borehole ratakaisirwa. Mari yavanoda pamwedzi inosvika US$100 asi hapana sevhisi,” said another resident, Pamela Kandawasvika.
She alleged that some doors and lockers are broken over rent arrears, exposing homes to theft.
Members of the residents’ committee said engagements with council have failed to yield results.
“Tinoyedza kubatsira council asi kazhinji havauye vachiti nyaya dzema payments. Hatina protective clothing yekushanda isu,” said committee member Smartboy Musindo, adding that some families are now sleeping outside after being locked out.
Another committee member, Nathan Mhishi, alleged corruption within revenue collection.
“Pane vanoda bribe kuti vasakuvharire imba. Ma toilets mazhinji haachashandisike, vanhu votomanikidzwa kuenda kune mamwe ma blocks,” he said.
Residents said they are not refusing to pay rentals but want reasonable payment plans matched with restored water, sanitation, electricity and security.
They have called on the City of Harare, councillors, MPs and relevant government ministries to urgently intervene.
