Marlborough residents decry deteriorating state of Civic Centre

Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter

THE deteriorating state of Marlborough Civic Centre has become a subjection of discussion among residents of Marlborough with some likening the activities at the shopping complex to the Biblical Sodom and Gomorrah.

The complex is home to five active bottle stores, numerous car washes that have become sources of various social and environmental issues worrying residents of Marlborough.

Residents said the bottle stores have become hubs for illegal vending leading to pollution, prostitution, crime and drug abuse in the area.

Open air kitchens operating within the complex to serve food to beer drinkers pose serious health hazards as diseases such as cholera and typhoid might break out due to unhygienic handling of food.

Furthermore, the illegal vendors at the complex are alleged to be selling illicit drugs such as crystal meth, exposing the youth in the area to dangers of drug and substance use.

Lack of proper infrastructure at the car washes such as toilets and waste disposal facilities, have resulted in widespread littering and pollution at the Civic Centre. Noise pollution, particularly emanating from the bottle stores, has also been a pain for the residents, disturbing the peace and tranquility of the area especially at night because the bottle stores are alleged to be operating way beyond their stipulated closing times.

Residents allege that the influx of individuals from areas such as Chitungwiza, Epworth, Kambuzuma and Mufakose who have set up car washes and vending businesses within the Civic Centre is contributing to the degradation of the area.

They decried the lack of action from the City of Harare in addressing these pressing issues, calling for urgent intervention to restore the Civic Centre.

“It’s disheartening to witness the rapid decline of our once vibrant Marlborough Civic Centre into what can only be described as Sodom and Gomorrah. The influx of carwashes and the associated social ills have eroded the essence of our community,” bemoaned one resident.

Another resident lamented, “We urge the City of Harare to take decisive action against the owners of these establishments and to bring about the necessary changes to rehabilitate the Marlborough Civic Centre. It’s imperative for the authorities to step in and restore order before the situation worsens.”