Council demolishes structures along NRZ service line

Scores of small-scale traders in Marondera were left counting their losses on Tuesday after the Municipality of Marondera demolished illegal structures erected along the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) rail corridor.

The operation targeted steel-framed tuckshops that had been constructed within the NRZ reserve, an area designated for railway safety and operational purposes.

The structures, which had become a prominent feature along sections of the railway line, were reportedly controlled by politically connected individuals who allegedly collected monthly rentals from traders occupying the units.

For years, both the NRZ and the local authority have traded blame over responsibility for the mushrooming structures, which continued to expand despite concerns over their legality and safety.

An investigation by NewsDay Truth Diggers earlier this year revealed that some individuals were charging tenants between US$200 and US$400 per month, depending on the size and location of the units.

Beyond questions of legality, the structures had also attracted criticism from health and safety officials. Most lacked basic sanitation facilities, forcing traders and customers to resort to open defecation along the railway line.

Authorities also raised concerns about the proximity of the structures to the railway tracks. The tuckshops were reportedly erected less than 10 metres from the rail line, significantly below the standard 45-metre setback required to protect lives and property in the event of rail accidents or derailments.

Marondera Central legislator Caston Matewu said the demolitions were necessary and long overdue.

"The demolitions were long overdue. At least common sense has finally prevailed," Matewu said.

"These structures were erected along the railway line, endangering lives and turning parts of Marondera into an eyesore."

Efforts to obtain a comment from Marondera mayor Chengetai Murowa were unsuccessful.

A visit to the site by NewsDay found earth-moving equipment pulling down the structures as traders and owners scrambled to recover building materials and merchandise from the debris.

The demolitions have reignited debate over urban planning, informal trading and land-use enforcement, with some residents supporting the move on safety grounds while others expressed concern over the impact on livelihoods.

The local authority is yet to indicate whether alternative trading spaces will be made available for affected vendors.