Harare’s Ongoing Battle Against Illegal Settlements: The Latest Demolitions in Ridgeview, Belvedere
On Thursday, the City of Harare launched a significant operation in Ridgeview and Belvedere, resulting in the demolition of several properties deemed illegally constructed. The city’s director of planning, Samuel Nyabeza, confirmed the action, stating that this was part of an ongoing effort to restore order and prevent unregulated urban expansion.
Dozens of Families Displaced
The demolition exercise, executed with the assistance of heavy machinery, left dozens of families homeless. Residents watched in despair as graders tore through their homes, reducing them to rubble. Many of the affected individuals claim to have invested their life savings in these properties, believing they held legitimate ownership.
Nyabeza expressed that this operation is only the beginning of a citywide crackdown on unlawful constructions. “We issued prior warnings to these settlers to vacate the area. Unfortunately, despite the initial demolitions last year, many returned and rebuilt their structures, encouraged by land barons who had fraudulently sold them the land,” he said.
Fake Papers and State Allocations
The city has identified settlements in Ridgeview where properties were erected using falsified documents. Some of the affected residents assert that their land allocations came directly from the state, but Nyabeza emphasized the importance of verifying all land purchases with the City of Harare to avoid falling victim to scams.
The Role of Land Barons
Nyabeza issued a stern warning to land barons: “We will arrest those who engage in illegal land sales without fear or favour. These individuals profit by preying on residents seeking affordable housing solutions. Their actions have led to the current chaos and the suffering of many families.”
Upholding Urban Planning Standards
“We must restore order in the city,” Nyabeza said. “A settlement has to be planned with all essential amenities in place before any construction can commence. It is unacceptable to build structures without council-approved plans or on land lacking proper sewer and water facilities.”
The City of Harare urges potential land buyers to conduct due diligence by confirming property details with city officials to ensure legal compliance. Nyabeza reiterated, “Every stage of construction must have council approval to maintain safety and urban development standards.”
A History of Demolitions
This is not the first time Harare has faced challenges with illegal settlements. Previous demolitions have targeted various areas, including parts of Borrowdale, Chitungwiza, and the Harare-Masvingo Road. These efforts highlight the city’s long-standing struggle with unregulated urban sprawl fueled by unscrupulous land barons.
The Way Forward
As Harare continues its crackdown, thousands more may face displacement. This reality underscores the urgent need for policy reforms addressing affordable housing and stricter measures to curb illegal land transactions. Nyabeza’s call for vigilance signals that while demolitions may seem harsh, the city government views them as necessary for sustainable urban development.
Residents and stakeholders are advised to engage with local authorities to better understand land acquisition processes and ensure adherence to city planning protocols.
