The Harare City Council is set to launch a large-scale demolition campaign on Thursday, targeting over 5,000 structures built without approval on land reserved for public amenities. The operation will enforce 37 High Court orders and affect various parts of the city, including high-density suburbs like Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Glen View, and Mabvuku.
Ahead of the demolitions, the council issued 48-hour eviction notices, with 17 property owners in Mabelreign among the first to be served. Acting Chief Development Control Officer James Mazvimba highlighted the effort to restore urban order and curb illegal land invasions.
“These land barons have occupied areas meant for the housing waiting list and public services. We are enforcing the law, with demolitions scheduled for December 5 and 6,” Mazvimba said, adding that makeshift structures hidden behind precast walls can be removed without court orders under the Urban Councils Act.
Mazvimba urged residents to verify property documentation to avoid purchasing illegally allocated land. He also reaffirmed that no illegal settlements on land designated for schools or public services would be regularized.
Government and Public Reactions
While the Zimbabwean government has banned house demolitions, deeming them illegal, the council insists its actions are necessary to uphold urban planning laws. In a related operation, over 30 homes in Belvedere were recently demolished after the land was fraudulently allocated by a private company despite a court order.
The demolitions have triggered public outrage, with affected residents accusing the council of exacerbating the housing crisis through delayed actions. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has distanced itself from the council’s decisions and ordered an investigation into the situation.
Broader Concerns
The campaign has reignited debates on housing and governance in Harare, with critics pointing to weak oversight that has allowed illegal settlements to proliferate. Many residents face significant financial losses and displacement, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions to the city’s growing housing challenges.