Harare Residents Trust raps council over destruction of people's settlements

Harare Residents Trust has said although it does not condone illegal construction of houses by the residents it was as much concerned over the Harare City Council's recent move to destroy people's homes under such conditions.

"The residents of Harare lost their properties in a spree of property demolitions for allegedly building on illegal structures. The law says no property should be demolished without a court order," the trust. "The instruction to demolish came from the office of the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing."

The trust said the City of Harare used its equipment and manpower to destroy houses of innocent residents whose only crime is being poor and weak.

"The HRT does not condone illegality, but does not accept the City of Harare to use illegal measures against the people," said the trust.