CSOs Deliver Twin Petition to Harare Mayor on Drug Crisis and Unsafe Public Transport

Two women’s rights and urban advocacy organisations, have delivered two petitions to the Mayor of Harare, Councillor Jacob Mafume, calling for urgent municipal action on the rising drug and substance abuse crisis and the daily harassment faced by women and girls at the city’s public transport ranks.

Economic Justice for Women Project (EJWP) and the Dialogue on Urban Reform and Advocacy (DURA), handed the petitions at Town House in the presence of senior council officials, ward councillors, residents’ associations, youth groups and church representatives.

Speaking on behalf of EJWP, Director Margaret Mutsamvi said the petitions were the result of years of research and community consultations in high density suburbs and informal settlements.

“We are no longer pleading. We are demanding that the City of Harare treats the drug crisis as the public health emergency it has become and makes public transport safe for women, girls and persons with disabilities. Families are being destroyed while council properties are lying idle and commuter ranks remain dark and dangerous,” Mutsamvi said.

DURA Co-Director Rachel Kadau stated that the organisations were ready to work with council, but would insist on accountability.

“We have brought evidence based, costed and practical solutions. We now expect political will, a transparent budget process in 2026 and measurable action. The Constitution is very clear. The right to health and the right to personal security are not optional,” she said.

The petition against drug and substance abuse is supported by two years of research carried out between 2023 and 2025.

It shows widespread abuse of crystal meth, broncleer cough syrup, marijuana and illicit brews.

These substances are fuelling gender based violence, school dropouts, mental health problems and rising youth unemployment.

The organisations are calling for the declaration of substance abuse as a municipal public health disaster.

In the same vein, they are demanding for

Adoption of a comprehensive City of Harare Drug and Substance Abuse Policy that is aligned with the National Drug Master Plan

Allocation of between two and five percent of the municipal budget from 2026 towards community rehabilitation centres, mobile psycho social teams and prevention programmes

Conversion of under utilised clinics, community halls and other council buildings into wellness and rehabilitation centres

Training of municipal health workers and the appointment of drug rehabilitation focal persons in every district

The petition on Safe Public Spaces and Public Transport which is coming at the backdrop of the sexual assault of a student at a bus termini in Harare, identified the ranks as hotspots of sexual harrassment for young women in broad daylight.

The perpetrator was caught after over a fortnight of dodging the police.

It is against this background that the petitioners are calling for the installation of bright lighting, CCTV cameras, clear signage and designated safe waiting areas with reporting kiosks.

To increase efficiency in the reporting and handling of such cases, the women’s organisations are calling for increased deployment of gender trained municipal police officers and Zimbabwe Republic Police officers during peak hours Launch of a twenty four hour harassment and safety hotline

They are also calling for the amendment of municipal by laws and transport operator licences to include mandatory clauses on prevention of gender based violence and commuter safety.

The Mayor acknowledged that drug and substance abuse has reached alarming levels in Harare and requires a coordinated response.

He said: “We can no longer ignore this problem. Drug and substance abuse is affecting our homes, our schools and our communities. The City of Harare must respond with seriousness and urgency.”

Mafume committed the city to a responsive 2026 budget.

“Council will ensure that the 2026 budget addresses the issues you have raised today. We will study your requests carefully so that the budget is practical and directed towards creating safe public spaces and responding to the drug crisis,” he said.

The Mayor also agreed that the city will explore the conversion of idle council properties into rehabilitation and community support centres, in line with the proposals submitted.

Civil society leaders described the handover as one of the most organised and evidence driven advocacy efforts presented to the City of Harare in recent years.