BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA The City of Harare has moved to distance itself from liability for damage caused by trees that collapse during extreme weather, saying such incidents fall outside its control and qualify as natural disasters. The clarification comes after violent thunderstorms battered parts of the capital in recent days, uprooting trees and leaving a trail of destruction that included crushed vehicles, damaged homes and widespread power outages. Affected suburbs include Highfield, Mabelreign, Marlborough, Belvedere and Warren Park, where residents woke up to blocked roads, fallen power lines and shattered property following the storms. Residents in some of the affected areas have since questioned whether the local authority should compensate victims, arguing that some of the trees had shown signs of weakness long before the storms. But City of Harare spokesperson Stanley Gama said while the council prioritises public safety, it cannot be held responsible for trees brought down by extreme weather conditions beyond human control. Gama said falling trees during storms are generally classified as natural disasters, adding that such events are driven by forces of nature that the council has no power to prevent. As a result, he said, the local authority is not legally liable for damage arising from storm-related tree falls, although it remains committed to protecting residents. He added that the city is using the current rainy season as an opportunity to phase out old and dangerous trees and replace them with safer, more suitable species as part of efforts to maintain a healthy and sustainable urban forest. Gama also urged residents to report any trees they believe pose a risk, saying this would allow council teams to act swiftly before disaster strikes. An Act of God refers to an extraordinary event caused by natural forces, beyond human control or anticipation, making it impossible to prevent or mitigate its consequences. Examples include earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, lightning strikes, and epidemics. In insurance and legal contexts, an Act of God is often used to describe events that: 1. Are caused by natural forces. 2. Are unpredictable and unavoidable. 3. Make it impossible to fulfil contractual obligations or cause damage.This concept is used to: 1. Exempt parties from liability. 2. Determine insurance claims. 3. Assess force majeure events. Keep in mind that the specific definition and implications may vary depending on the jurisdiction, contract, or policy. Blaming God for one’s faults is a complex issue that depends on individual perspectives and beliefs. Some people may find comfort in attributing their mistakes or circumstances to a higher power, while others may view it as a way to avoid accountability. In many philosophical and theological traditions, humans are considered responsible for their actions. Blaming God might be seen as deflecting personal responsibility.Ultimately, whether blaming God is “good” or not depends on individual beliefs and values.The City of Harare must own up and do the right thing. They take care of the old trees and give people hope in case of disaster. Post navigation The Heartless Pursuit of Profit in Zimbabwe’s Private Hospitals