Council moves in to demolish illegal structures in low-density suburbs

**Freeman Razemba **

Senior Reporter

HARARE City Council has begun demolitions in some low-density suburbs, targeting illegal businesses and structures.

Currently, the City of Harare is sitting on about 5 000 house demolition orders amid growing concerns over unregulated settlements and construction on wetlands.

Today, officials from the City of Harare visited Highlands suburb where they were targeting illegal businesses that were being conducted in residential areas.

The Herald witnessed the Harare City Council destroying illegal structures at Number 18, Wilkins Close in Highlands, where some people were conducting spray painting and panel-beating businesses.

According to the authorities, such businesses should not be conducted between houses in the area and the owners were violating the law.

The owners had been advised previously to shut down and relocate the business from the area, but had defied the orders, resulting in city officials moving in to remove some of the vehicles at the premises, pending the demolition of some of the structures.

There were about 20 vehicles at the premises, paints, compressors and various other equipment used to conduct the business.

The development also comes after Harare City Council recently said there will be no regularisation of land invasions in low-density suburbs and all houses being built under so-called “pay schemes” in such areas will be demolished.

According to an internal report on regularisation and demolitions of illegal structures compiled by the Town Clerk and gleaned by The Herald, Council has drawn a clear line between how it will treat low- and high-density areas.