…appointed substantive Chamber Secretary for Harare
STAFF REPORTER
RESPECTED legal practitioner Warren Chiwawa has been appointed substantive Chamber Secretary for Harare City Council, formalising a tenure in which he restored administrative order, strengthened governance systems and accelerated service delivery reforms while serving in an acting capacity.
His confirmation is widely regarded as institutional endorsement of a results-driven and reform-oriented leadership approach that stabilised council operations, reinforced legal compliance and rebuilt constructive engagement between the City of Harare and central government.
In a letter of confirmation to Harare Town Clerk Mabhena Moyo, Local Government Board chairperson Steve Chakaipa said Chiwawa emerged as the strongest candidate following a rigorous selection process.
“All three candidates who were forwarded to the Local Government Board were interviewed on December 19, 2025.
“After thorough deliberations and careful consideration, the Local Government Board was satisfied that Mr Warren Sean Chiwawa had a distinct edge over the other candidates in terms of experience and exposure.
“The Local Government Board resolved through Resolution Number LGB 039/25 and acting upon the powers vested in the Board in terms of Sections 123 (e) as read together with Sections 133 and 135 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15] approves the appointment of Mr Warren Sean Chiwawa to the position of Chamber Secretary for Harare City Council and if he declines, Council may re-advertise the post.
“The appointment is within ninety (90) days of receipt of this letter. The incumbent is expected to be paid in accordance with the remuneration package dated 12 December 2025.”
Chiwawa expressed gratitude for the appointment, acknowledging the confidence placed in him by national leadership and key stakeholders.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust and confidence bestowed upon me by the Government of Zimbabwe, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, and the Local Government Board.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to my family for their unwavering support, guidance and encouragement throughout my professional journey. Their strength has been my foundation.
“I remain committed to serving the City of Harare with diligence, integrity and dedication as we work collectively to strengthen governance systems and improve service delivery for residents,” he said.
Since assuming office in March 2021 in an acting capacity, Chiwawa has re-established procedural discipline across council structures, ensuring committee and full council meetings are conducted strictly in accordance with statutory provisions.
The instability and administrative turbulence that characterised the 2019–2021 period have since given way to orderly, lawful and predictable governance under his stewardship.
He spearheaded a comprehensive modernisation of the legal division, with more than 30 municipal by-laws under review to strengthen regulatory clarity, institutional accountability and policy coherence across council operations.
Chiwawa has been particularly instrumental in championing transformative Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that are repositioning Harare’s service delivery framework and strengthening long-term infrastructure development.
His strategic leadership was pivotal in guiding the City of Harare to clinch the landmark partnership with Geo Pomona Waste Management, a development widely viewed as a turning point in the capital’s long-running waste management challenges. The initiative is expected to significantly modernise refuse handling systems, enhance environmental sustainability and improve public health outcomes for residents.
Equally notable is his role in facilitating infrastructure collaboration with Hilcraw, where he serves as chairman of the joint implementation committee overseeing the project. The partnership is expected to strengthen Harare’s water infrastructure — a critical priority area for the city — and reflects his hands-on oversight of high-impact municipal programmes.
Beyond infrastructure partnerships, Chiwawa serves as a director of Sunshine Developments Private Limited, a joint venture between the City of Harare and WestProp. He is also the chairman of Rufaro Marketing Private Limited and oversees various Harare City Council companies and development projects, underscoring his central role in advancing the municipality’s commercial, infrastructural and service delivery objectives.
Under his leadership, the council’s operational capacity has expanded markedly, including the growth of the municipal vehicle fleet and the acquisition of additional refuse collection trucks — tangible developments that are already improving service reach and responsiveness across Harare.
He has also strengthened internal administrative systems, improved adherence to governance procedures and promoted a culture of professionalism and accountability within council operations. Observers credit him with stabilising institutional processes, reducing operational disruptions and entrenching a governance framework grounded in legality, transparency and efficiency.
Chiwawa oversees the legal division, committees and administration, research and protocol, transport and logistics, public safety, and emergency services — a strategic portfolio central to the city’s governance and service delivery architecture.
His substantive appointment signals continuity in a reform agenda focused on legality, institutional excellence and improved quality of life for Harare residents, with many stakeholders expressing confidence that his leadership will continue to drive meaningful transformation in the capital’s municipal administration.
