Kudzayi Zvivanashe
Harare—Residents of Harare face a potential breakdown in essential services as a bitter standoff between the Harare City Council (HCC) and its employees escalates over unpaid salaries.
The Zimbabwe Municipalities Nurses and Allied Workers Union (ZIMNAWU) has declared its members incapacitated, citing unpaid wages dating back to December 2024.
In a letter dated 3 February, ZIMNAWU president, Simbarashe James Tafirenyika, highlighted the dire situation which he insisted negatively impacted their livelihoods and work commitments.
“We, ZIMNAWU, representing the employees of the City of Harare, are writing to express our deep concern and frustration regarding the persistent failure to pay our members on time.
“This unacceptable situation has severely impacted their way of life, working conditions, and overall well-being.
“The delay in salaries has caused financial constraints and disgruntlements on the employees (sic) since their salaries are being eroded by inflation,” read parts of the letter.
The union warned that its members would only work two to three days a week tilk salaries are paid in full.
“In light of this situation, we are left with no choice but to declare that our members will only be able to work 2 to 3 days per week until the employer resumes timely payment of salaries,” further read the letter.
This move could cripple critical services, including healthcare, refuse collection, water supply, and public safety.
Social analyst Rashweat Mukundu expressed concern over the potential fallout, particularly for public health he underscored was reflected at national level.
“This will have a huge impact on public health delivery by the city council; as you may know, the city council clinics are the primary health service providers in communities.
“This demonstrates to us that the collapse of the health service is not only at a city council level but a collapse at a national level.
“There has been broader neglect by local authorities and by central government of this essential service which is health provision,” said Mukundu.
The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director, Rueben Akili, urged HCC to resolve the impasse.
“The issue raised by the City of Harare workers that is also threatening job action is a serious issue which deserves attention as it will then lead the local authority into chaos. We call upon the local authorities to engage in dialogue with the workers,” said Akili.
Levi Seremani, a legal practitioner who advises and represents council employees, was not aware of the latest developments but provided context on the recurring issue.
“This always happens every other year. The council struggles with liquidity issues, especially around December and January.
“Remember the annual budget is yet to be approved and ratepayers seldom service their debts during the festive season and the January period,” he said.
Harare municipality spokesperson Stanley Gama denied knowledge of ZIMNAWU’s existence and claimed that clinics were operating normally.
However, he acknowledged the council’s financial struggles, citing over $100 million owed by ratepayers.
Gama said HCC were exploring alternative revenue streams to keep the city operational, adding they were prioritising employee salaries.
Tafirenyika, however, rubbished Gama’s comments denying knowledge of ZIMNAWU’s existence, arguing that their organisation had a membership of over 1000 workers and was registered with the ministry of Labour.
He admitted that while no full-scale strike has yet occurred, a go-slow is already affecting council clinics.
Tafirenyika warned that municipal workers would heed the union’s call for action if their grievances remain unresolved.