Staff Writer
The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has called on the Government, Harare City Council and other stakeholders to urgently strengthen disaster preparedness measures ahead of the 2026-2027 rainy season.
CHRA said Harare residents remained at heightened risk of flooding, waterborne diseases, infrastructure damage and disruption of essential services during periods of heavy rainfall.
“These risks are worsened by poor drainage systems, blocked storm-water drains, inadequate waste management, illegal dumping, settlements in wetlands and flood-prone areas, and inadequate maintenance of roads and other public infrastructure,” CHRA said.
The residents’ association urged the City of Harare to immediately assess its level of preparedness and implement preventative measures before the onset of heavy rains.
“We therefore urge the City of Harare to undertake an immediate assessment of the city’s disaster preparedness and implement preventative measures,” CHRA said.
CHRA also called for increased funding towards disaster risk management, saying both council and central government should make adequate budgetary provisions in their 2027 budgets.
“We call for budgetary commitments towards disaster risk management in the City of Harare and Central Government 2027 budgets, taking into account the impending effects of the El Niño phenomenon,” the association said.
The association said storm-water drains across the city should be cleared and rehabilitated, with priority given to areas that have historically experienced flooding.
“Urgent clearing and rehabilitation of storm-water drains across all communities is required, with priority given to known flood hotspots,” CHRA said.
It also called for the removal of illegally dumped waste from waterways, drains and other areas where it could obstruct the movement of storm water.
CHRA said damaged roads, bridges and culverts should also be repaired to minimise disruptions and prevent communities from being cut off during heavy rains.
“Repair of damaged roads, bridges and culverts is critical to prevent communities from being cut off during heavy rains,” the association said.
The residents’ body further urged authorities to regularly monitor flood-prone areas, particularly informal settlements and communities situated near rivers, streams and wetlands.
“Flood-prone areas, particularly informal settlements and communities located near rivers, streams and wetlands, must be regularly monitored to identify and address risks before disasters occur,” CHRA said.
CHRA also called for the strengthening of early-warning systems so that residents could receive timely information about impending storms, flooding and other hazards.
“Early-warning systems must be strengthened so that residents receive timely information about impending storms, flooding and other hazards,” it said.
The association further called for the establishment and publicisation of emergency response plans, including evacuation routes and designated temporary shelters where necessary.
“Emergency response plans, including evacuation routes and designated temporary shelters, should be established and publicised to ensure that communities know what to do and where to go during emergencies,” CHRA said.
It also urged authorities to adequately resource emergency response teams with the necessary equipment, personnel and communication systems.
“City emergency response teams must be adequately resourced with equipment, personnel and communication systems to enable them to respond effectively when disasters occur,” CHRA said.
CHRA said effective disaster management would require closer cooperation between government institutions, council and communities.
“There is a need for stronger coordination between central government, council, civil protection authorities, health institutions, residents’ associations and community structures to ensure rapid response when disasters occur,” the association said.
The residents’ body also called for special attention to be given to vulnerable groups during emergencies.
“Vulnerable residents, including children, older persons and people living with disabilities, must be protected and given priority because they may face greater difficulties during emergencies,” CHRA said.
CHRA also urged residents to take responsibility for reducing risks in their communities by avoiding illegal dumping and keeping drainage channels clear.
“Residents should play their part by avoiding illegal dumping, keeping channels around their homes clear, reporting blocked drains and dangerous infrastructure, and following official warnings during severe weather,” the association said.