Harare Residents Question New Levy Amidst Crumbling Ambulance Services

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – A new emergency services levy imposed on Harare residents is facing fierce opposition, with many fearing the funds will be mismanaged amidst a crippling shortage of ambulances. The levy,introduced in February 2025,aims to address the dire situation where only four public ambulances serve a population exceeding 2.4 million [City of Harare].

Ambulance Shortage Puts Lives at Risk

Shirley celebrate Mkono, a 34-year-old mother, experienced firsthand the consequences of the ambulance shortage. After giving birth in May 2024, she suffered severe headaches and was diagnosed with extremely high blood pressure. The clinic she visited lacked an ambulance, forcing her to wait four agonizing hours for a private ambulance, which cost her US$30. “If the clinic had an ambulance in sight, it could not have taken this long,” she lamented. “I could have died.”

The current ratio of ambulances to residents in harare falls far short of international guidelines, which recommend one ambulance for every 50,000 people. To meet this standard, Harare would need a fleet of 48 ambulances.

Did You Know? The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that emergency medical services should be accessible to all, regardless of their ability to pay [WHO].

Emergency Levy Faces Public Distrust

in an attempt to alleviate the crisis, the Harare City Council introduced a monthly emergency services levy of US$1 per household, collected through monthly electric bills. However, the council’s history of financial mismanagement has fueled skepticism among residents and watchdog groups.

Reuben Akili, director of the Combined harare Residents Association, emphasized the need for openness and accountability. “There must be a mechanism in place that ensures the money is ring-fenced to buy ambulances in places where that money was collected,” he stated.

Mkono, like many other residents, doubts the levy will achieve its intended purpose. She cited the council’s failure to provide consistent refuse collection services despite residents paying for them. “There is a lot of corruption at the local authority,” she said.

corruption Undermines Public Services

A 2024 analysis by the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust and local ngos highlighted the persistent problem of embezzlement within local councils. The diversion of funds from essential services, including healthcare and sanitation, has eroded public trust and created a reluctance to pay for services that do not improve.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched an inquiry into the Harare City Council in May 2024, prompted by reports of corruption and financial mismanagement. The inquiry revealed that the council had misused over US$1 million, with executives spending exorbitant amounts on personal holidays while neglecting essential services.

Pro Tip: Residents can demand accountability from their local authorities by attending council meetings, requesting financial reports, and participating in public budget consultations.

Residents Forced to Rely on Costly Private Services

The scarcity of public ambulances has forced those who can afford it to rely on private taxis, which can cost between US$10 and US$20. Caroline machivenyika,whose pregnant daughter needed urgent medical attention,had to pay US$50 for a private ambulance after learning that city ambulances were unavailable.

New Levies Introduced Without Consultation

precious Shumba, director of Harare Residents’ Trust, criticized the city council for introducing new levies, including a US$1 streetlight levy and a US$1 water levy, without proper consultation. shumba argued that these levies, implemented without a clear billing system, are susceptible to abuse.

A Look Back: The Decline of Zimbabwe’s Ambulance System

esther Machivenyika, 75, recalled a time when zimbabwe had a robust ambulance system.”I remember in 1995 when my husband got sick at home, we called in an ambulance and it did not take an hour to come through and he was instantly taken to the hospital,” she said.

In the 1980s, Zimbabwe boasted a well-equipped ambulance system with trained personnel. However,decades of economic instability have crippled emergency services,leaving them unable to maintain or acquire modern equipment.

Today, Esther Machivenyika lamented, patients must pay upfront to receive assistance.”You can die while negotiating payment,” she said.

The Future of Emergency Services in Harare

Despite the introduction of the emergency levy, many residents remain pessimistic about the future of ambulance services in Harare. They cite a culture of greed within public service as a major obstacle to progress.

Only one-third of African countries have emergency medical services, and most require patients to pay a fee [WHO Africa].

Will the new emergency levy truly improve ambulance services in Harare, or will it become another source of corruption and mismanagement? What steps can residents take to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds?