The recent demolition of numerous houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere, by the City of Harare has left many families homeless and raised serious questions about the treatment of illegal settlements.
Reports indicate that these demolitions were conducted without a court order, intensifying concerns about the city’s approach to housing issues.
The Complexity of Illegal Settlements
The situation surrounding illegal settlements in urban areas, particularly in Harare, is fraught with complexity.
Allegations of corruption and bribery involving land barons, council officials, and police officers have emerged, revealing a troubling backdrop to the demolitions.
Over the past two decades, many homeowners have unwittingly built on illegally acquired land, leading to significant financial and emotional distress as their homes are destroyed.
During a recent parliamentary session, legislators expressed their concerns regarding the city’s handling of this issue.
They highlighted the recommendations from Justice Uchena’s Commission, established in 2018 to address land-related challenges.
Calls for a Human Rights Perspective
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi addressed the National Assembly, emphasizing that the City of Harare—controlled by the opposition—must adopt a more humane approach to these issues. He stated:
“Everything that the Hon. Member has said falls squarely into the hands of the city authorities. They are the ones that have been allowing the buildings to be built… They demolished without even a court order and we have also requested that this be investigated.”
Ziyambi questioned why authorities wait until homes are constructed before sending in bulldozers to demolish them.
He noted that some of these houses were well-built structures and expressed concern for the affected residents.
A Holistic Solution Needed
Budiriro South legislator Darlington Chigumbu called for a comprehensive solution to address these ongoing issues.
He proposed publishing Justice Uchena’s Commission Report to educate the public on illegal land dealings and prevent further victimization of residents.
Chigumbu also emphasized the need for accountability and suggested establishing specialized land courts to handle disputes and address issues with land barons.
“One of the recommendations made by the Commission was to suspend the allocation of land or housing stands on unserviced stands,” Chigumbu stated.
“We have enforcement agencies that are supposed to be monitoring all these activities… Imagine the loss we are incurring as a country.”
Criticism from Former Officials
Former cabinet minister Fortune Chasi condemned the city’s actions as “crass insensitivity and cruelty.”
He pointed out that such demolitions could not have occurred without the knowledge or authority of Harare’s mayor, who is also a lawyer.
Chasi questioned how demolitions could take place without a court order and called for accountability for these actions.
City Officials Respond
In defense of the demolitions, Director of Planning Samuel Nyabeza stated that the city would intensify efforts to restore order and ensure all buildings comply with council-approved plans and amenities.
He warned land barons that they would face arrest “without fear or favour.”
A Call for Compassionate Governance
The recent demolitions in Harare highlight critical issues surrounding housing rights, governance, and accountability.
As families face displacement and uncertainty, it is imperative for local authorities to adopt a compassionate approach that prioritizes human rights while addressing illegal settlements effectively.
The community deserves transparency and fairness in how these matters are handled moving forward.
Source: Nehanda Radio
