EDITOR — Having discussed on World Happiness Day with young people and working with young people in Mbare District since 2010, we have on numerous occasions discussed the issue of service delivery and young people through the various platforms for discussion would like to bring to your attention the state of service delivery in our community.
We encourage everyone to engage with stakeholders including young people and residents of the constituencies to map the way forward so as to pressure the local authorities to improve on their service delivery mandate.
As part of our efforts to help in the recreation and rehabilitation of young people we have since donated sports equipment and kits in Mbare.
During the deliberations, young people raised the pertinent issue of service delivery which has continued to deteriorate despite residents’ efforts to pay what is due and for the service.
The following are some of the notable examples; the state of roads is deplorable, sewer burst especially in the “Majubhegi area”, the outlook of the flats “Materereni, Matapi and many of the houses in Majubhegi” are all in an appalling state, poor waste collection in the Mbare market has led to piling of garbage risking the residents’ health and the need for rehabilitation of social centres and vocational centres.
We are worried that if nothing is done to address some of the highlighted issues, a serious violation of our constitutional rights would have occurred, we therefore urge the authorities to engage residents in a genuine manner.
Rehabilitation of vocational centres and recreation facilities would also positively contribute to the reduction of crime, HIV/Aids and illicit drug and substance abuse by young people.
Efforts should aim to restore dignity to residents especially to young people with respect and confidence in the local authority being restored.
The ultimate goal is for residents to enjoy their rights.
We wait to hear from your office soon.
Pacesetters Youth Network