Staff Reporter
HARARE – Legal action is looming against the City of Harare following the deaths of three people who drowned in an open sewage excavation pit in Budiriro 3, amid growing calls for accountability from human rights organisations and residents.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has demanded an urgent criminal investigation into the circumstances that led to the deaths, arguing that municipal negligence was responsible for the tragedy.
The victims, a young girl, an elderly man and a young man, reportedly drowned after falling into an uncovered sewage pool in the KwaMiki area of Budiriro 3. The incident shocked residents and sparked outrage over the city’s handling of public infrastructure and safety.
In a statement, ZimRights said those responsible for leaving the hazardous site unprotected should be identified and prosecuted.
“The loss of three lives was entirely preventable. Those responsible for leaving that pool open must be identified and prosecuted,” the organisation said.
ZimRights also called for an immediate city-wide inspection of all open trenches, manholes and sewer excavation sites, demanding that authorities install barricades, warning signs and proper lighting around dangerous areas.
The organisation further urged authorities to engage transparently with the affected families and ensure compensation is paid without unnecessary delays.
The Budiriro deaths have renewed scrutiny of safety standards within the City of Harare, which has previously recorded fatalities linked to municipal operations. Last year, two council workers died at Firle Sewage Treatment Plant after allegedly inhaling toxic gases, while three others later lost their lives in a similar incident at Morton Jaffray Water Works.
Residents in Budiriro 3 said the tragedy could have been avoided if proper safety measures had been put in place.
“We had reported that the pit was dangerous long before this happened. Children pass through this area every day, but nothing was done. Now families have lost their loved ones because of negligence,” said local resident Tendai Moyo.
Another resident, Sarah Chikore, said the community had lived in fear for months.
“That place was a death trap. There were no warning signs, no fencing and no security. We are demanding answers because these deaths should never have happened,” she said.
Community groups are now considering legal avenues to compel accountability and secure compensation for affected families, while pressure continues to mount on the City of Harare to explain how such a deadly hazard was allowed to remain exposed in a residential area.
