Heads Must Roll Over Budiriro Sewer Sludge Pit Drownings – Residents Trust

The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has called for a full, transparent and independent investigation into the deaths of three people in Budiriro 3 New Stands, Harare, over the weekend.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the three drowned in a pit filled with sewer sludge in Budiriro on 7 June 2026.

The victims, a 16-year-old girl, a 19-year-old man and another man, fell into the sludge pit, which is about three metres deep, seven metres long and two metres wide, on separate occasions.

In a statement on Tuesday, 9 June, ZNOART national chairman Shepherd Shalvar Chikomba said there must be accountability from all responsible authorities, contractors, officials or individuals if negligence, failure to follow safety procedures or breaches of service delivery standards are established.

Chikomba also demanded immediate safety audits of all open excavations, sewer rehabilitation projects, drainage works and other hazardous municipal sites across Harare and the rest of Zimbabwe.

He said the affected families should receive compensation and support in line with the law if investigations find negligence or a failure in the duty of care.

Chikomba further called for regular engagement between councils and residents so communities are kept informed about ongoing works, risks and mitigation measures.

“Where investigations establish negligence, recklessness, or a breach of statutory duties resulting in the loss of human life, those responsible should be brought before the courts and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe,” said Chikomba.

“The loss of innocent lives must never be treated as a routine incident.

“Accountability is essential to deter future negligence and to restore public confidence in local governance and service delivery systems.

“The loss of life in Budiriro is not merely a tragedy for the affected families; it is a reminder that service delivery is ultimately about protecting human life and dignity.

“Infrastructure projects that expose residents to danger cannot be regarded as successful service delivery.”

Before the tragedy, Budiriro residents had warned that the site had no proper barricades, warning signs or other safety measures expected at a hazardous public works project.