Online Reporter
THE City of Harare has intensified demotions of illegal structures in a move aimed at restoring order in the capital city.
The operation is initially targeting areas in and around the city centre and areas near the CBD where residential homes have been turned into salons, shops, restaurants and bars.
City of Harare spokesperson, Stanley Gama, said the mission to rid the city of lawlessness was unstoppable.
“We will not tolerate lawlessness in Harare where people just wake up and decide to put illegal structures which are then used as business premises.
“We call upon residents to immediately visit our offices at Rowan Martin Building to get the necessary permits and licenses.
“We will not watch while our city continues to be turned into a junkyard without due consideration to the various by-laws in Harare.
“A time has to come when we say enough is enough. And there will be no favours to anyone, we will enforce the law until we have order in the city.
“The city centre and areas around the city centre will be the first to be targeted and then we move to outlining areas.
“We have noticed that there is total disregard of by-laws in the Avenues area, Hillside, Arcadia, Milton Park, Belvedere, Eastlea, Avondale, Alex Park and other areas where residential properties are being turned into business premises without permits from the City of Harare.
“A city is not a jungle, it has plans, it has order and you don’t just wake up and come up with a structure without consulting the Council,” said Gama.
He said the City of Harare has finalised its verification process on illegal invasions of State, Council and Private Land. A Report will be published once adopted by Council.
“Enforcement has started with strict adherence to prevailing Government and Council policies on land management and due process of law and provisions of Urban State Land Management Policy and Regional, Town and Country Planning Act.
“Residents are advised to refrain from engaging in illegal activities, including the acquisition of land from unauthorised individuals, illegal construction of houses without approved building plans, illegal occupation of Council or State land.
“We have also noted with concern the continued illegal developments on Municipal, State land and private land in many areas of Harare and we will take action.
“Members of the public are advised to seek clarity on land management, ownership and the legality of any form of development from the District Office or from the Office of the Director of Urban Planning Services at Cleveland House,” Gama said.
The City spokesperson also encouraged residents to report any cases of suspected illegal developments in residential areas be it on residences or outside so that they take immediate action.
