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September, 2025

Town Clerk, City of Harare

Department of Urban Planning, Traffic and Transportation

Cleveland House, Room 304A

Harare

Objection to Application for Permanent Road Closure of a Portion of Otto Road (Otto Drive), Highlands, Harare (as advertised as a Public Notice in The Herald on Tuesday 2 September 2025 p.11) located at 17°46'11.9"S 31°06'49.8"E

We, the undersigned residents and community members of Highlands and surrounding areas, hereby submit our formal objection to the proposed permanent road closure of a portion of Otto Road (i.e. Otto Drive, being the road connecting Willowmead Lane to Collins Avenue hereinafter referred to as Otto Road as per the public notice), Highlands, Harare, as advertised in the Public Notice placed in The Herald on Tuesday 2 September 2025.

Grounds of Objection:

1. Loss of Public Land: Otto Road is public land. Its permanent closure and subsequent sale would deprive current and future residents of their right to access and benefit from public infrastructure.
2. Community Access & Safety: Otto Road provides a safe and established route for domestic workers, security guards, gardeners, pedestrians, cyclists, schoolchildren, walkers and joggers. Closing it will force vulnerable users onto busier, more dangerous routes.
3. Future Urban Development Needs: As Harare densifies, all public roads and spaces will become more critical. Closing and selling Otto Road now undermines the city’s long-term planning capacity and resilience.
4. Equity Considerations: Many people who rely on Otto Road do not own cars. Closure would disproportionately harm women, children, and low-income workers who depend on safe non-motorised routes.
5. Public Interest vs. Private Gain: The proposed closure appears to serve private interest at the expense of the broader community. Council has a duty to uphold transparency and protect public assets for collective benefit.

We therefore respectfully request that the City of Harare reject the proposed application to close and sell the portion of Otto Road (i.e. Otto Drive, being the road connecting Willowmead Lane to Collins Avenue), Highlands, Harare. Please find attached a petition of objections signed by affected residents, commuters, and community members.

Highlands Residents’ Association