News / Local
Harare City Council halts house demolitions
08 Dec 2024 at 09:29hrs | Views
The Harare City Council has temporarily suspended its plan to demolish over 5,000 houses deemed to be illegally constructed on council land. This follows a directive from the Government mandating that affected homeowners be given at least four months’ notice before any demolitions proceed.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume confirmed the pause, stating, “We have put on hold demolitions for now.” Acting Chief Development Control Officer James Mazvimba echoed the mayor’s sentiments, noting that the council is engaging the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for further guidance.
Two weeks ago, the council began issuing 48-hour eviction notices, targeting properties in Mabelreign and planning to extend the operation to high-density suburbs, including Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Glen View, and Mabvuku. These actions were part of a broader initiative to enforce 37 High Court orders authorizing the removal of illegal settlements.
However, the Government intervened, with Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe criticizing the council’s approach. “We are human beings, and every human being has the right to shelter,” said Minister Garwe. “Yes, we appreciate that those houses were illegally built... but give them three or four months' notice.”
Minister Garwe emphasized the importance of humane treatment, noting that many affected residents lacked proper relocation options.
The council’s plans have sparked significant controversy. Earlier this year, the City of Harare demolished over 30 houses in Belvedere, arguing that the structures were illegally built on council land allocated through fraudulent documents. The operation was part of a campaign to curb unauthorized developments and enforce urban planning laws.
Despite the legal basis for the demolitions, the Government has urged the council to prioritize solutions that allow residents time to find alternative accommodation.
The Harare City Council is now consulting with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on the next steps. While the council insists that demolitions will resume eventually, Minister Garwe’s directive underscores the need for a more measured approach to address illegal settlements.
For now, residents in affected areas have a temporary reprieve, but uncertainty looms as authorities navigate the complex issues surrounding urban planning, housing rights, and the enforcement of regulations.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume confirmed the pause, stating, “We have put on hold demolitions for now.” Acting Chief Development Control Officer James Mazvimba echoed the mayor’s sentiments, noting that the council is engaging the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for further guidance.
Two weeks ago, the council began issuing 48-hour eviction notices, targeting properties in Mabelreign and planning to extend the operation to high-density suburbs, including Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Glen View, and Mabvuku. These actions were part of a broader initiative to enforce 37 High Court orders authorizing the removal of illegal settlements.
However, the Government intervened, with Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe criticizing the council’s approach. “We are human beings, and every human being has the right to shelter,” said Minister Garwe. “Yes, we appreciate that those houses were illegally built... but give them three or four months' notice.”
The council’s plans have sparked significant controversy. Earlier this year, the City of Harare demolished over 30 houses in Belvedere, arguing that the structures were illegally built on council land allocated through fraudulent documents. The operation was part of a campaign to curb unauthorized developments and enforce urban planning laws.
Despite the legal basis for the demolitions, the Government has urged the council to prioritize solutions that allow residents time to find alternative accommodation.
The Harare City Council is now consulting with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on the next steps. While the council insists that demolitions will resume eventually, Minister Garwe’s directive underscores the need for a more measured approach to address illegal settlements.
For now, residents in affected areas have a temporary reprieve, but uncertainty looms as authorities navigate the complex issues surrounding urban planning, housing rights, and the enforcement of regulations.
Source - The Sunday Mail
