he City of Harare has sparked outrage among residents of Glen View Ward 31 after issuing a directive ordering the removal of a community solar-powered borehole within 48 hours. The move, which city officials say is to make way for the development of four infill residential stands, has been met with fierce resistance from locals who rely heavily on the borehole as their primary source of clean water.
A Vital Lifeline Under Threat
The borehole, which supports an estimated 2,800 residents, has been a lifeline in a suburb plagued by chronic water shortages. Families in the area say the removal of the borehole will leave them without a safe and consistent water source, forcing them to depend on unsafe or contaminated alternatives.
Residents fear the decision could trigger a public health crisis, especially given the city’s history of cholera outbreaks and poor sanitation in high-density suburbs.
“This borehole has been the only reliable source of clean water for years. Taking it away is like taking away our lifeline,” said one Glen View resident.
Conflict Between Development and Survival
The order — reportedly issued by the City of Harare’s Development Control (Enforcement) Section — has ignited a heated debate about the city’s development priorities.
An image circulating on social media, posted by resident Patience Mangezi, shows the official letter from the council alongside photographs of the community’s solar-powered water tanks. Mangezi’s post has since gone viral, drawing widespread sympathy for the affected families and criticism of the city’s decision-making process.
Residents are calling on the city authorities to reverse the order, arguing that the need for clean and accessible water far outweighs the potential benefit of a few new housing stands.
“We understand the need for housing, but not at the cost of public health. Water is a basic human right,” added another community member.
Community Action and Next Steps
Local leaders and residents are mobilizing to engage the City of Harare before the 48-hour deadline expires. Community representatives have vowed to peacefully resist the removal of the borehole while seeking alternative solutions that balance development with basic service provision.
As of now, the City of Harare has not issued an official response to the public outcry.
