THE recent announcement by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works regarding the availability of masterplans for public review is a pivotal moment for urban planning in Zimbabwe. With the plans from 90 out of 92 local authorities now open for scrutiny, this initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and addressing the pressing issues of urbanisation.
However, the notable absence of masterplans from Harare and Chitungwiza raises significant concerns about compliance and the necessity for robust planning frameworks in our cities.
Masterplans serve as critical documents that guide land use, development processes, environmental management, and infrastructure planning. They are not merely bureaucratic necessities; they are essential tools for creating sustainable and livable urban environments.
The inclusion of detailed policies, strategies, and statistical data in these plans is vital for informed decision-making and community engagement. The public’s ability to review and provide feedback on these plans over the next 60 days is a commendable step toward transparency and participatory governance.
The Minister of Local Government, Daniel Garwe, highlighted the urgency of producing these masterplans as part of a broader initiative launched by the President last year. This “Call-to-Action” emphasizes the need for local authorities to modernize their operational frameworks, including the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
The fact that 90 local authorities have complied while only two have lagged behind points to a concerning trend in urban management, particularly in the capital city of Harare, which has long struggled with service delivery challenges.
The issues surrounding Harare and Chitungwiza are symptomatic of a larger problem: the misallocation of land and resources that can occur in the absence of well-structured planning. Reports of illegal land sales, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, signal a dire need for effective governance and regulatory oversight. We are glad Bulawayo does not have these sort of problems.
These actions not only threaten the ecological balance but also exacerbate flooding and other infrastructural issues that impact residents’ quality of life.
Experts have long argued that masterplans are crucial for addressing the rapid population growth and urban sprawl in cities like Harare. The lack of coherent planning has led to haphazard construction and inadequate service delivery, resulting in a myriad of urban challenges. The illegal mining and deforestation that have surged in recent years further highlight the need for a clear framework to manage land use effectively and sustainably.
Additionally, the call for local authorities to adopt modern ERP systems, such as the Local Authority Digital System (LADS), cannot be overstated. These systems promise to revolutionise how municipalities manage their operations, from revenue collection to data handling and budgeting.
The reliance on outdated software has hindered many councils’ ability to function efficiently, leading to financial mismanagement and missed opportunities for enhancing service delivery. By adopting ERP systems, local authorities can streamline their processes, reduce fraud, and ensure that resources are allocated where they are most needed.
The initiative by the City of Victoria Falls to hold a public exhibition for its draft masterplan is a positive example of how local authorities can engage with their communities. It sets a precedent for transparency and accountability, allowing residents to voice their concerns and contribute to the planning process. This kind of engagement is essential for fostering trust between local governments and the communities they serve.
As we move forward, it is imperative that the Government not only ensures compliance from Harare and Chitungwiza but also actively supports all local authorities in their planning efforts. The challenges of urbanisation require a collaborative approach that involves local communities, experts, and policymakers working together to create sustainable solutions.
The rollout of masterplans for public review represents a significant step toward better urban governance in Zimbabwe. However, the situation in Harare and Chitungwiza serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that must be addressed to ensure that all local authorities can meet the needs of their constituents.
The success of these plans will ultimately depend on the commitment of local authorities leaders to embrace comprehensive, community-driven planning and the effective implementation of modern management systems. Only then can we hope to create vibrant, sustainable cities that can withstand the pressures of population growth and environmental change.
