Harare’s Illegal Settlements Spark Fresh Government Warning As 5 000 Demolition Orders Loom
The Government has raised fresh concerns over the unchecked expansion of settlements in Harare, warning that poorly planned housing developments could create serious public health problems.
The warning comes as the capital grapples with thousands of houses facing demolition orders.
According to The Herald, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the City of Harare currently has about 5 000 such orders on its books.
He made the disclosure during a Land Tenure High Level Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting.
Wetlands and illegal land sales under scrutiny
Garwe blamed part of the housing crisis on people acquiring residential land through illegal channels.
He urged home seekers to verify land ownership and planning approvals before paying for stands.
The minister specifically warned against land dealers known as Masubhuku or land barons.
He also called on residents to stop putting up structures on wetlands.
“Let us not encourage people to build on wetlands, buy from Masubhuku or land barons,” he said.
Garwe said uncontrolled settlements could expose communities to sanitation, water and other public health challenges.
“Unregulated settlements in Harare can be a threat to public health,” he said.
Government cannot simply order demolitions
The minister sought to clarify the Government’s role in the demolition of illegally constructed properties.
He said authorities cannot simply disregard court decisions relating to disputed developments.
“Let me emphasise that Government does not demolish houses and we cannot interfere with court processes,” Garwe said.
He added that authorities had, in some instances, attempted to buy time while looking for possible solutions for affected residents.
“Currently, City of Harare is sitting on 5 000 demolition orders and in some cases we have tried to delay the process and provide solutions,” he said.
The huge backlog highlights the difficulties facing authorities as they try to balance enforcement with the need to provide housing.
Rural economies seen as part of the solution
Garwe said the pressure on Harare cannot be addressed through urban housing interventions alone.
He pointed to rural-urban migration as one of the factors driving population growth in already crowded suburbs.
According to the minister, creating viable economic opportunities in rural communities could reduce the number of people moving to cities in search of jobs and business opportunities.
“Some of the overcrowding and overpopulation that we see in some suburbs is a result of rural-urban migration. If we empower those in the rural areas, then we address this problem,” he said.
Land access could unlock growth
The minister also placed secure land ownership at the centre of efforts to develop smaller urban centres.
He said businesses in growth points need land that financial institutions can recognise as an asset when funding is sought.
“Growth points also need access to land they can take to the bank and get funding,” he said.
Garwe said many rural areas and growth points already have economic activity, but inadequate access to secure land is restricting further investment.
“There are a lot of economic activities in growth points and rural areas, but without access to land, their growth may be minimal,” he said.
The post Harare’s Housing Crisis Deepens As 5 000 Demolition Orders Remain Pending appeared first on iHarare News.
