HARARE, Jun. 1 (NewsDay Live) — Communities and civic organizations have resolved to transform locally driven climate adaptation initiatives into policy-ready solutions following the conclusion of the Settlement Climate Forum last week.
The forum, hosted by Dialogue on Shelter, brought together residents, community leaders and key stakeholders to address growing climate-related threats to housing, land security and basic services in informal settlements.
Participants agreed to establish a task team that will compile recommendations into a consolidated document for submission to parliamentary portfolio committees and city council committees.
Dialogue on Shelter project coordinator Ivan Zitai-Banana said communities were already developing responses to service delivery gaps and climate challenges, but their experiences were often overlooked in policy processes.
“How do we package those rich experiences into something policy-ready, easily translated and shared by duty bearers?” Zitai-Banana said.
He said many communities had grown weary of consultations that failed to produce tangible results, making it necessary to reinvigorate citizen participation and engagement.
“Communities have long been consulted without seeing action. There is lethargy. Today was about reviving that spirit,” he said.
Zitai-Banana urged stakeholders to adopt a broader approach to climate challenges, noting that environmental problems often extend beyond the boundaries of individual communities.
“Look beyond individual problems. Ensure coordination in spatial planning and amplify local voices,” he said.
Speaking at the forum, Dzivarasekwa Ward 40 Councillor Knowledge Bote commended partnerships between communities, civil society organizations and local authorities in addressing climate-related risks.
Participants noted that residents’ associations and community-based organizations were employing different approaches to close safety and service gaps, highlighting the need for greater coordination and knowledge-sharing.
“Whenever we look at solutions in our open spaces, we must think beyond our boundaries. That way, we harness issues into something comprehensive and effective for policy engagement,” Zitai-Banana told NewsDay.
The forum concluded with participating organizations planting a tree as a symbol of renewed collaboration and a shared commitment to building resilient, safe and sustainable urban communities.
