Avondale opposes three new proposed filling stations

Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter

Avondale residents in Ward 17 in Harare are against the building of three new proposed fuel stations arguing that there is no justification to construct three new fuel stations within a 500-metre radius of each other.

The proposed fuel stations, two of which are planned for Argyle Road, have met the objections of residents who cited the congestion that is usually known to be common in the area and the potential negative impact such developments would have on their neighbourhood. Argyle Road, one of the two main through routes between West Road and Connaught Road, is known for its heavy traffic volumes, especially during rush hours.

The road, which straddles a hill with a blind rise, often witnesses motorists creating three or four lanes on the narrow road as they impatiently try to beat the rush traffic congestion.

The intersections along Argyle Road, where traffic lights are frequently non-functional, have been the site of numerous accidents, with the most recent one occurring at the weekend.

Residents said there are already nine existing fuel stations within a 1km radius and they questioned the necessity of additional fuel stations in the area and the potential adverse effects on their quality of life.

The residents have submitted a petition, with more than 250 appending their signatures, to authorities including Ward 17 Councillor Happymore Gotora, district officer Mrs Marian Mverechena, City of Harare director of works Engineer Zvenyika Chawatama, the town planning department, the traffic engineer, the developers, Environmental Management Agency and Local Government and Public Works Minister Winston Chitando.

A resident of Ward 17 and a community leader Ms Carole Pearce expressed her concerns about the proposed fuel stations.

“We are angry and dismayed by this negligent ‘town planning’. We question whose interests are being served by the proliferation of fuel stations in our area. We are determined to protect our neighbourhood and prevent the degradation of our quality of life,” said Ms Pearce.

Avondale residents are united in their opposition of the construction of additional fuel stations in their area. They believe that the current number of fuel stations is sufficient and the proposed fuel stations will only exacerbate the traffic congestion and safety of road users.

The residents are hopeful that their petition and requests will be taken into consideration by relevant authorities.

Last year, former Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Tafadzwa Muguti expressed concern at rate at which fuel stations were being built in Harare saying it was out of control.

Mr Muguti was speaking at a Highlands Residents Association meeting where he engaged residents on issues affecting their suburb and surrounding areas.

Meeting moderator Miracle Missions Trust trustee Ms Jacqueline Anderson said they have been told that many fuel stations have been approved in their suburbs and they do not know what to do because they have been writing petitions objecting to these developments but to no avail.

Ms Anderson also said residents are being left out of the consultation processes where approvals to build these fuel stations are sought leaving them worried.

Responding, Mr Muguti said he had noticed the upsurge in the construction of fuel stations and he felt that there were already too many.

“I am also not a fan of service stations, they are already too many.  We now have houses which are being turned into service stations. It’s now crazy,” said Mr Muguti.

He told the meeting that in terms of the regional Town and Country Planning Act, no development should be approved without proper engagement with residents and their consent.

Mr Muguti said if the development is not beneficial to the community, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has the power to stop the development and overturn a council resolution.