Zimbabweans Express Outrage After City of Harare Fines Budiriro Resident US$13K for Road Damage Linked to Borehole Water Connections

Outrage After City of Harare Fines Budiriro Resident US$13K for Road Damage Linked to Borehole Water Connections

A Budiriro 3 resident has been fined US$13,813.51 by the City of Harare for damaging public roads while connecting water from their privately drilled borehole to other households.

The move by the City of Harare to fine the resident has sparked outrage and criticism from Zimbabweans.

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Budiriro Resident Fined US$13K for Road Damage Linked to Borehole Water Connections

In a formal letter, City of Harare’s Director of Works, Engineer Isaac Chawatama, explained that the resident violated city regulations by allowing unauthorized water pipe installations, which resulted in road damage.

“It has been brought to my attention that a borehole was drilled at your residence and water is being distributed to other households. In doing so, roads were cut without authority from the Roads Section of City of Harare.

In view of the above, you are requested to come to Room 411, 4th Floor, Cleveland House where you are supposed to get an invoice to pay a penalty fee of thirteen thousand eight hundred and thirteen dollars and fifty-one cents ($13 813,51 USD).”,” the letter read.

Engineer Isaac Chawatama demanded that all damaged roads be repaired within 48 hours of receiving the notice. Additionally, the resident was instructed to settle the penalty within seven days or face further enforcement actions.

Outrage After City of Harare Fines Budiriro Resident US$13K for Road Damage Linked to Borehole Water Connections (Image Credit: Facebook/ City of Harare)

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Social Media Outrage Over City’s Actions

The fine has sparked outrage among Zimbabweans, with many criticizing the City of Harare for penalizing a resident who was attempting to address water shortages in the community. Social media users questioned the council’s priorities, highlighting its failure to maintain the city’s roads, which are already riddled with potholes and in poor condition.

Many argued that the resident should be commended for providing clean water, a service they believe the city has failed to deliver. Others expressed disbelief at the 48-hour deadline for road repairs, pointing out that the city itself has struggled to maintain its infrastructure for years.

This incident has amplified public dissatisfaction with the City of Harare, with many calling for improved service delivery and a focus on repairing long-neglected roads rather than penalizing residents stepping in to fill gaps in basic services.

Here are some of the reactions;

@Nomsa Mhlanga;

People are trying to get safe water which they are failing to provide. Instead of applauding them they want fine iri more than borehole racho.

@Lillian Mathe;

Farai Eston maroads acho ari kupiko amuri kutaura nezvawo,iwo ma dust roads pakati pe taundi tibvigwe zvedu ngava bvume defeat they are failing to give clean water .