New Ward 17 residents’ association committee optimistic on future

Diana Nherera Suburban Reporter

THE newly-elected Ward 17 Ratepayers and Residents Association (W17RRA) chairperson Mr Obert Francis Munyaradzi says the new committee is filled with enthusiasm for opportunities that lie ahead and is optimistic of the future in terms of service delivery.

Speaking at the W17RRA annual general meeting held on Saturday at McDonald Swimming Pool in Avondale after his election, Mr Munyaradzi promised to address issues such as wetlands, commercial zoning, clarity on planning for cluster housing developments, flats and infrastructure development.

He pledged to consult with the City of Harare, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and central Government to hold meetings on service delivery.

“I note as of today Ward 17 has become a complex community, a hub housing businesses.

“It is almost 50 percent of a built (up) area.

“This has put too many challenges on us all.

“We have got to measure up to City of Harare to get the services that we require which I know is not easy.

“It (the City of Harare) is faced with multiple challenges which they are failing to overcome,” he said.

Mr Munyaradzi said several residential properties have been zoned commercial along main roads and shopping centres.

“Many storey buildings in central Avondale are zoned commercial.

“It has made the ward a business hub, an extension of the city centre,” he said.

Mr Munyaradzi said commercial zoning has attracted a lot of construction activity in the ward.

“W17RRA hopes that with such continuous consultation and information on these developments, the City of Harare planning department has to be respectful of by-laws and residents’ rights.

“W17RRA shall work closely with the councillors on this matter,” he said.

Mr Munyaradzi said Ward 17 has several wetlands and the residents’ association will work with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to protect them from pollution, destruction and construction activity.

He said Avondale West and Strathaven are served by Strathaven Shopping Centre.

“W17RRA shall coordinate with the City of Harare and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to have it spruced up,” said Mr Munyaradzi.

He said W17RRA will hold meetings to have planning clarity on cluster homes, flats and infrastructure development.

Mr Munyaradzi said W17RRA will ask businesses and the police to coordinate an efficient policing system following security threats to residents brought about by the commercial zoning.

He said W17RRA will continue to have consultations with council, police and Government and hold public meetings at Sherwood Sports Club and Belgravia Sports Club to find ways of improving service delivery and the general welfare of the ward.

“Those who are not members but are our neighbours wherever we live, whether in business or residence, we shall see how we can work with them to find solutions to problems that we face.

“I endeavour that we all work collectively to create action groups, action sections through our secretary Mr Laban, the press person, Suburban (newspaper) and our WhatsApp groups. We encourage them to give us more information. John (Vekris), create more platform groups. That’s the new technology. People are very difficult to come about. They are very busy but through electronic platforms, contributions will come, information will spread to members, to non-members because we have got to work collectively and solve the problems that we face.”

He urged the W17RRA to speak loudly and clearly to the City of Harare and central Government in order to solve some of their problems.

“On behalf of the executive committee, we are filled with enthusiasm for the possibilities that lie ahead.

“Together we can chart a course towards progress, growth and success.

“We are optimistic about our future and excited to be part of the journey with all of you,” said Mr Munyaradzi.