Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has said the City of Harare is sitting on about 5,000 house demolition orders as the government looks at ways to regularise some settlements.
Speaking at the Land Tenure High-Level Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting, Garwe said the government is concerned about the rapid spread of illegal settlements in Harare, warning that such developments pose serious public health risks.
He urged home seekers to avoid buying land from illegal dealers, such as sabhukus and land barons, and warned against building on wetlands.
“Let us not encourage people to build on wetlands, buy from Masabhuku or land barons,” he said.
“Let me emphasise that Government does not demolish houses and we cannot interfere with court processes.
“Currently, the 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 challenge of rapid urbanisation could be partly addressed by unlocking economic opportunities in rural areas and growth points.
Garwe said access to secure, bankable land is critical to unlocking investment and economic activity outside major cities.
He said significant economic activity is already taking place in growth points and rural areas, but lack of secure tenure is limiting expansion.
More: The Herald
