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Sibongile Maruta and Prince Mukuna
The MDC-T-run Harare City Council has failed to enforce its rules that service providers who dig trenches in the city should ensure they repair the damage.

A snap survey by The Herald yesterday showed that trenches dug in the Cental Business District have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, especially roads, due to the weakening of the underlying structural base.

Digging of trenches has further worsened the problem of pot holes on the city roads, which has affected the smooth flow of traffic.

In an interview with The Herald council corporate communications manager Mr Michael Chideme said council was wary of companies that were leaving trenches unfilled.

“We are concerned with the activities of some companies that are leaving trenches unfilled, we think it’s high time we name and shame the companies which are doing this,” he said.

“Companies who are leaving trenches unfilled will be penalised through the withdrawal of permission to dig trenches.”

Mr Chideme said the policies on digging of trenches stated that the companies involved should be able to meet all the necessary costs, including filling up the trenches as soon as possible.

The trenches are affecting motorists who have to do with possible damage to their vehicles.

Some of the streets in the city centre are literally blocked by the trenches, forcing motorists to look for alternative routes to their destinations.