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The Herald, February 3 1986 

THERE is a desperate shortage of playgrounds in the high-density areas and residents are complaining about it.  

Said Cde Melania Chivhanga, a mother of three living in Dzivarasekwa: “Our yards are very small and my children are often forced to play along the streets. But this is very dangerous because cars are always speeding past.” 

Cde Eric Mwale, also of Dzivaresekwa, suggested that the city council should redevelop derelict playgrounds. 

“We are not asking for vast areas fitted with the most elaborate play equipment. A few fenced areas with some simple equipment would suffice,” he added. 

A resident in Warren Park also complained of the lack of playgrounds there. She noted that there were still some empty stands which could be used for playgrounds. 

Stanley Katsande, a Form 1 student at Dzivarasekwa No. 2 High School, said he and his schoolmates had to play soccer in the streets, but they usually got into trouble after breaking neighbours’ windows. 

If they were given open ground on which to play, they could make goal posts during metal work lessons at school. 

Cde Tirivanhu Mudariki, assistant director of social services, told The Herald that plans were under way to create recreation facilities in suburbs that had none and to improve those which were already there. 

“Our plans also include creating facilities for the domestic worker in the low-density suburbs who cannot afford to join a recreation club,” he added. 

Harare City Council’s director of housing and community services, Cde Alban Musekiwa, has appealed to the public to donate money and assist “the council to move faster in providing playgrounds.” 

He said the council also wanted to improve education and health facilities, which meant there wasn’t enough money to be spent on playgrounds. 

Lessons for today 

Playgrounds are critical spaces where kids develop crucial physical, social, emotional and imaginative skills necessary to gain self-confidence, improve coordination, and advance critical thinking capabilities. 

Playgrounds help children to remain occupied and to stay out of trouble. One of the reasons behind the growing cancer of drug abuse in the country is the lack of playgrounds or sporting facilities for the youths especially in high density areas. 

 Most recreational facilities in towns and cities across the country are now derelict with most councils failing to carry out the necessary repairs and maintenance.