City of Harare warns of fresh demolitions

The City of Harare has warned that all unapproved or partially built houses in illegal settlements will be demolished as Government intensifies efforts to curb unlawful land development.

In a public notice issued today, the city said Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe would next week lead a joint inspection of identified illegal settlements alongside municipal authorities.

The inspection is expected to pave the way for enforcement action against residents, developers and land dealers operating outside the law.

"Unapproved structures, whether completed or partially built, will be demolished in line with applicable statutes," the city said.

Harare also ordered an immediate halt to all unapproved construction activities, including land clearing, trenching and building work being carried out without municipal approval or valid legal title.

"Any ongoing construction, land clearing, trenching or construction work taking place without official municipal approval or valid legal title must stop immediately," the notice said.

The city said the ministerial inspection would focus on non-compliant sites and could result in immediate enforcement measures and the prosecution of offenders.

Authorities also warned individuals, syndicates and illegal land barons involved in the sale, purchase or development of unallocated State or council land that they would face arrest and prosecution.

"Individuals, syndicates, or illegal land barons selling, buying, or building on unallocated state or council land will face swift arrest and prosecution under the full weight of the law," the council said.

The city urged prospective home-seekers and residents to exercise caution when acquiring land, warning them against paying unauthorised individuals who claim they can allocate or regularise land.

It said the Ministry would not protect or compensate people who participate in illegal land transactions.

The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of informal settlements and unlawful land allocations around Harare, where residents have in some cases purchased stands from individuals or syndicates without securing the necessary approvals.

Council said the latest measures were intended to restore orderly urban development and ensure that land administration complies with planning laws.

"Order and lawful land administration will be restored without exception," the council said.