Staff Reporter
Government has ordered the Harare City Council (HCC) to immediately cease the demolition of illegally constructed houses in the capital.
This directive follows a series of demolitions in Ridgeview and Belvedere, where nearly 20 homes were bulldozed due to alleged illegal land acquisition. The Government has distanced itself from these actions, emphasizing a commitment to housing rights and a structured approach to urban planning.
In an interview with the media on Tuesday, Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, condemned the council’s recent demolition blitz, attributing responsibility solely to the council.
“We condemn that action, and yesterday we directed the mayor and town clerk to stop the demolitions. We have nothing to do with that. The central Government distances itself from such behaviors. This directive comes as Zimbabwe continues its Vision 2030 goal to create an upper-middle-income economy, with proper housing schemes integral to that vision,” he said.
Minister Garwe stressed that while the Government is committed to respecting citizens’ right to housing, this right must be exercised responsibly.
“People have the right to housing, but that said, we must not take the law into our own hands and build wherever we want. I have warned that unregulated construction leads to unsafe living conditions, and the law will still visit you. We do not want reckless development,” he explained.
Additionally, Minister Garwe clarified the Government’s stance, emphasizing that while unauthorized settlements must be regulated, the administration does not support reckless demolitions.
“As the Government moves to regulate urban development more stringently, citizens are urged to seek housing through approved channels to avoid future conflicts. This new directive is expected to bring relief to many Harare residents, reinforcing the Government’s dedication to structured growth while safeguarding the rights and well-being of its citizens,” he said.
Furthermore, Minister Garwe underscored the need for an orderly approach to urban housing, balancing citizens’ right to shelter with adherence to legal planning standards.
“The Government has halted demolitions, and this position remains. However, where there are no proper layout plans, water, or sanitation facilities, those structures must be addressed, and individuals who mislead home-seekers into these settlements should be held accountable,” he said.
While the Government respects citizens’ constitutional right to housing, Minister Garwe reminded residents that this right does not permit unauthorized construction.
“The new dispensation values all citizens and respects the constitution, which views housing as a fundamental right. However, people must understand that they cannot just build wherever they please. The law will still hold individuals accountable for illegal structures,” he noted.
The recent order to halt demolitions reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting orderly urbanization while also protecting citizens’ right to safe housing. This intervention is seen as part of a larger strategy to foster controlled urban growth and improve housing access under Vision 2030. As authorities work to establish better-organized housing schemes, the Government is also setting its sights on holding land barons and those who illegally allocate plots accountable.
With this renewed focus on regulated development, Zimbabwe aims to strike a balance between enforcing housing laws and protecting citizens’ rights.
