News / National
High Court orders urgent overhaul of Mbare flats
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In a landmark decision, the High Court has directed the Harare City Council and key Government ministries to urgently renovate the dilapidated Mbare flats, a move aimed at restoring dignity to thousands of residents enduring appalling living conditions.
Justice Priscilla Munangati-Manongwa, presiding over the case, ruled in favor of residents who argued that the authorities had abandoned their responsibilities. The judgment found the City of Harare and relevant Government entities culpable for neglecting their duties, leaving tenants in Matapi, Matererini, Nenyere, and Shawasha Hostels in deplorable conditions.
The court described the situation as a breach of the City of Harare's legal and moral obligations, compelling immediate action to rehabilitate the flats and ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Justice Munangati-Manongwa stated that the City of Harare had failed in its statutory and common law duties to maintain the buildings and provide basic services.
"The City of Harare has breached its legal duty to the residents or tenants by completely neglecting the basic duties and obligations of a landlord and local authority," the court declared. "The City of Harare is compelled to fulfill its statutory and common law obligations to make the hostels safe and fit for human habitation."
The judgment directed the council to restore critical infrastructure, including water and sewer systems, and to clean and sanitize the flats. Regular refuse collection, installation of fire safety equipment, and the provision of functional fire escapes were also ordered.
The Local Government and National Housing Ministry was instructed to provide temporary shelter, such as tents, for residents displaced during renovations. The ministry is also tasked with ensuring access to essential services like water, sanitation, and electricity during the process.
Additionally, the Health Ministry must implement measures under the Public Health Act to prevent disease outbreaks in the area, while the Environment Ministry has been directed to address pollution in and around the hostels.
The case was brought before the court by the Combined Harare Residents Association, supported by community leader Mr. Israel Mabhoo. Following the ruling, Mr. Mabhoo expressed hope that the judgment would mark a turning point for Mbare residents.
"This is a major step towards restoring our dignity. We hope authorities will act without delay," he said.
The ruling has been widely praised as a victory for urban housing rights and a step forward in addressing decades of neglect. Attention now turns to the City of Harare and its partners to deliver on the court's directives and transform the iconic but long-neglected flats.
For residents, the judgment signals the possibility of a brighter future and improved living conditions after years of despair.
Justice Priscilla Munangati-Manongwa, presiding over the case, ruled in favor of residents who argued that the authorities had abandoned their responsibilities. The judgment found the City of Harare and relevant Government entities culpable for neglecting their duties, leaving tenants in Matapi, Matererini, Nenyere, and Shawasha Hostels in deplorable conditions.
The court described the situation as a breach of the City of Harare's legal and moral obligations, compelling immediate action to rehabilitate the flats and ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Justice Munangati-Manongwa stated that the City of Harare had failed in its statutory and common law duties to maintain the buildings and provide basic services.
"The City of Harare has breached its legal duty to the residents or tenants by completely neglecting the basic duties and obligations of a landlord and local authority," the court declared. "The City of Harare is compelled to fulfill its statutory and common law obligations to make the hostels safe and fit for human habitation."
The judgment directed the council to restore critical infrastructure, including water and sewer systems, and to clean and sanitize the flats. Regular refuse collection, installation of fire safety equipment, and the provision of functional fire escapes were also ordered.
The Local Government and National Housing Ministry was instructed to provide temporary shelter, such as tents, for residents displaced during renovations. The ministry is also tasked with ensuring access to essential services like water, sanitation, and electricity during the process.
Additionally, the Health Ministry must implement measures under the Public Health Act to prevent disease outbreaks in the area, while the Environment Ministry has been directed to address pollution in and around the hostels.
The case was brought before the court by the Combined Harare Residents Association, supported by community leader Mr. Israel Mabhoo. Following the ruling, Mr. Mabhoo expressed hope that the judgment would mark a turning point for Mbare residents.
"This is a major step towards restoring our dignity. We hope authorities will act without delay," he said.
The ruling has been widely praised as a victory for urban housing rights and a step forward in addressing decades of neglect. Attention now turns to the City of Harare and its partners to deliver on the court's directives and transform the iconic but long-neglected flats.
For residents, the judgment signals the possibility of a brighter future and improved living conditions after years of despair.
Source - The Herald
