By Correspondent
The Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) has warned that the ongoing Urban Regeneration Operation is becoming increasingly violent and unsustainable, despite its stated aim to restore order in the city centre.
The operation was launched jointly by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon Daniel Garwe, and Mayor Jacob Mafume.
It started along ED Mnangagwa Road and has since spread across the Central Business District with the deployment of over 300 municipal police to clear illegal vendors and de-congest public spaces.
While government says the operation is being conducted peacefully there have been skirmishes in the CBD, with cat-and-mouse battles between traders and Council police.
The HRT said it supports efforts to restore order but is concerned about the approach.
“While the Harare Residents’ Trust supports the re-establishing of order in Harare’s central business district, the organisation believes that the current aggressive campaign is unsustainable,” the Trust said.
The residents body said a lasting solution cannot be achieved through force alone.
“A sustainable solution is anchored in inclusivity, tolerance, and citizen participation, driven by co-created solutions,” the organisation said.
The HRT confirmed it has formally engaged central government to push for a more consultative process.
“The HRT has submitted to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, requesting that he pursue more dialogue with all stakeholders.”
The Trust blamed the City of Harare for creating the conditions that led to the current crisis.
It pointed to years of poor planning, failure to provide adequate designated vending sites, and inconsistent enforcement of by-laws.
Vendors have complained that alternative markets such as Coca-Cola are located far from customers.
“The City of Harare is the architect of all the chaos we witness regarding the informal sector in Harare,” the HRT said.
“Public policy is a shared responsibility.”
However, the City maintains that no wares have been confiscated in keeping with a pledge for a humane approach.
It also reports that transport will be re-routed to bring customers closer to designated markets.
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