Harare gardens face partial privatisation

Harare gardens face partial privatisation
Published: 2 hours ago
Harare Gardens, once the jewel of the capital's recreational spaces, could soon be inaccessible to the public as the Harare City Council (HCC) moves to lease significant portions of the park to private players and individuals.

Up to three hectares of the iconic park are reportedly being parcelled out under what the City describes as a "monetisation exercise." However, local governance experts and residents' associations say the move represents yet another sign of poor leadership and creeping privatisation of public assets.

On the ground, sections of the park have already been fenced off, with more areas being cordoned. The development has alarmed residents, who fear that the park - long a place of relaxation and leisure - will soon be out of reach for ordinary citizens.

Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) programmes manager Mr. Reuben Akili condemned the development, warning that it would deprive residents of vital recreational space and worsen social challenges.

"We have always condemned the idea of privatising Harare Gardens. It's unacceptable that public property is being surrendered to private interests under the guise of monetisation. These are public spaces meant for relaxation and recreation - taking them away fuels issues like drug abuse and mental health problems," said Akili.

He added that City officials were abdicating their responsibilities by outsourcing management instead of improving municipal service delivery.

"At this rate, by 2030 the local authority will have virtually no services left under its control. A local authority cannot exist purely as an administrative office - it must provide and protect public amenities," he said.

Attempts to privatise Harare Gardens date back to 2015, when similar plans were resisted by residents. The latest effort appears more advanced, with new leaseholders already demarcating their areas and restricting public access.

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume confirmed plans to reorganise park management, but insisted the goal was to enhance recreation rather than remove access.

"We are going to come up with a programme to mobilise the city to maintain the park - to put up fences, introduce activities, and work with communities on recreation-related initiatives," said Mafume.

However, residents remain sceptical, pointing to similar losses elsewhere in the city. Recreational parks in Marlborough, Budiriro, and Glen Norah have already been converted into commercial or residential projects, leaving young people with few safe spaces for leisure and community life.

For now, visitors still lounge under Harare Gardens' aging trees - unaware that it may soon be the last time they enjoy the park freely before more sections are sealed off.
- ZBC
Tags: Gardens,

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