Harare Residents Push Back Against Proposed Tariff Hikes

By Tendai Chisiri

Scores of Harare residents flocked to Town House today to lodge their objections to the City of Harare’s proposed 2026 budget, specifically targeting proposed water tariff increases.

According to a press release from the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), residents are up in arms over the proposed hikes, which would see water tariffs jump from USD 1.24 to USD 2.00 for high-density areas and USD 1.70 to USD 4.90 for low-density areas.

The residents are also objecting to the escalation of graveyard charges and the US616.00 fines on water pollution, deeming them ineffective in curbing pollution.

“Today’s turnout shows that residents will not sit idly by while they’re hit with unfair and unaffordable tariff hikes,” said CHRA.

With 30 objections lodged, the City Council is now required to reconsider the proposed tariffs, as per Section 219(3) of the Urban Councils Act 29:15.

The objections come after weeks of mobilisation by CHRA, HRT, and other suburban residents’ groups, who argue that the tariffs are unfair, unreasonable, and unaffordable.