Harare residents have welcomed the City of Harare’s Clean-up and Decongestion Campaign, with many on social media calling it a great stride towards order and dignity in the capital, while also urging authorities to address any service delivery challenges. The campaign, launched on Wednesday targets illegal vending, waste, and congestion in the CBD. Social media reaction was largely positive, with residents linking cleanliness to pride and economic activity. “That's the city we know thanks to this initiative,” said a resident under the name Supreme Furnitures on Facebook. “We also need maintenance and improvement on ablution facilities in all markets.” Vee Mureru recounted a personal experience that highlighted the need for order: “Ndakambonyimwa parking ne munhu we ngoro. Kuramba kubvisa so I could park. Well done we need order mutown.” Betty Mai Hayden Maswaya acknowledged the economic reality of vending while backing the campaign: “Yes many families survive nechi vendor but mutown munodawo order and cleanliness; it might take great effort to sustain but this would be nice kugara makachenawo.” Lilian Chikuse said congestion had become unmanageable, saying, “On a serious note mutown manga musisa fambiki coz unotsika zvinhu zvemunhu hongu zvinorwadza tese ndoindustry yedu asi Tanga tawandisa muroad.” Echoing similar sentiments, Constance Chifamba also spoke to the tensions on pavements: “Zvakaoma hazvo veduwee. Ini hangu handina daka nemavendor but umm ndakambotukwa mupavement ndangosundwawo kwakunowisa murwi wematomati evamwe mai imiii.” Several residents said the clean-up must be sustained and expanded. “I hope they keep on top of this*,” said Scot Andrews. “Sometimes it isn't necessarily about the state of the pavements, but the cleanliness that matters. Isu we grew up kumamisha, with yards dze dust, but it never really bothered us because the yards were kept clean and tidy. Hopefully, they will now start working on the pavements as well. Even simple, regular maintenance can make a big difference.” Romeo Manu looked at the bigger picture urging property owners to play their part: “Now encourage building owners to renovate and paint their buildings.” Maidei Karikoga called for more trading infrastructure: “Well done but isai ma Free Market ne mipedzanhamo yakawanda nema hardware mu nzvimbo dzese dziri mu Harare nekunze kwe Harare nema Sunday markets ari under Council.” City officials say the decongestion exercise is irreversible but will be rolled out in phases and will include engagement with vendors to relocate to designated markets. Residents’ comments suggest broad support for a cleaner Harare, but with a clear message: order must be matched with affordable markets, regular maintenance, and basic services if the gains are to last.
