Theme: Service Delivery, Water, Sanitation and the Future of African Communities
The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) joins millions of Africans in commemorating Africa Day 2026, a day that reminds us of our shared responsibility to build a prosperous, united, and developed Africa.
This year’s African Union theme on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems speaks directly to the daily struggles faced by ordinary residents in Zimbabwe and across Africa. Access to clean water, proper sanitation, refuse collection, functioning sewer systems, quality roads, and reliable public services remains a major challenge in many urban and rural communities.
As residents’ representatives and community advocates, we believe that true African liberation and development cannot be achieved while citizens continue to suffer from poor service delivery, sewer bursts, water shortages, disease outbreaks, corruption, and collapsing public infrastructure.
ZNOART notes the importance of placing water at the centre of Africa’s development agenda. Water security and sanitation are not luxuries; they are basic human rights and foundations for economic growth, public health, food security, and human dignity.
However, while policies and speeches are important, communities now demand action, accountability, and implementation. Residents across Zimbabwe continue to face serious challenges, including:
– Persistent sewer bursts and environmental pollution;
– Inconsistent water supply and unsafe drinking water;
– Poor waste management and uncollected refuse;
– Corruption and maladministration within local authorities;
– Lack of transparency in public service delivery systems;
– Poor urban planning and infrastructure decay.
Africa Day must therefore be a day of reflection and action. As ZNOART, we call upon:
– Local authorities to prioritise service delivery and respond urgently to residents’ concerns;
– Government institutions to strengthen accountability and fight corruption affecting communities;
– African leaders to invest in water infrastructure, sanitation systems, and sustainable urban development;
– Communities and residents to actively participate in protecting public infrastructure and demanding transparency;
– Young people to champion innovation, environmental stewardship, and community development.
Zimbabwe and Africa cannot achieve Agenda 2063 while communities are overwhelmed by sewer crises, unsafe water, disease outbreaks, and poor governance. Sustainable development begins with functioning local authorities, responsible leadership, and active citizen participation.
As we celebrate Africa Day, ZNOART reaffirms its commitment to advocating for residents’ rights, social justice, transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery for all communities.
Together, we can build an Africa where every resident has access to clean water, safe sanitation, dignified living conditions, and accountable leadership.
Residents, Happy Africa Day.
Issued by:
Shepherd Shalvar Chikomba
National Chairman
“`Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART)“`
Contact Znoart On:
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Email: znoart1@gmail.com
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ABOUT ZNOART
_The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) is an apex body representing residents and associations across Zimbabwe. Our focus and thrust include service delivery, community development, infrastructure development, environmental and waste management, healthcare, transparency and accountability, gender and social welfare, as well as combating drug and substance abuse._