Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume Makes Surprise Drug Testing Announcement After Pavement Outcry

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has announced what appears to be a plan to introduce mandatory drug testing for council workers after criticism over the quality of pavement rehabilitation work along First Street.

However, it is not immediately clear whether Mafume’s statement on X on Saturday, 29 August 2026, was a formal announcement of a new council policy or a response made in the heat of the public debate.

The mayor’s comments followed an EARGROUND TV report highlighting concerns over the workmanship on the First Street project.

Mafume Links Poor Workmanship To Possible Intoxication

Responding to the criticism, Mafume said the City of Harare would introduce mandatory workplace drug testing.

“We are going to introduce mandatory drug testing at work. This can only be the workmanship of intoxicated individuals from the supervisor to the worker.”

Mafume also said the council agreed with members of the public who had criticised the quality of the work.

“We agree with the public on this one, we cannot be committed to ugliness and poor execution!”

His post did not provide details about when testing would begin, who would be tested or whether the proposal had been formally adopted by council.

First Street Work Sparks Harare Debate

The pavement work has triggered wider discussion about standards within the capital city.

Some responses to Mafume’s post questioned whether intoxication was responsible, while others pointed to possible problems with training, supervision, recruitment and accountability.

One commenter argued that the issue required examination beyond individual workers and supervisors.

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