Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
HARARE City Council says 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.
In high-density areas, the report says, council may only consider regularisation where settlements are not on land reserved for schools, clinics and other critical services, and only if occupation began before the September 24, 2023 cutoff. All areas invaded from 2024 to date will be demolished.
Authorities said housing pay schemes and cooperatives were created to help low-income earners access residential stands, not to facilitate land grabs in low-density suburbs.
“Housing Pay Schemes and Cooperatives were established for the low-income earners, and council shall not regularise invasion of land in low-density areas by land barons under the disguise of housing cooperative and/or pay scheme,” the report states.
The report notes a new tactic by land barons of invading land during weekends and late at night, rushing to build structures and moving people in immediately to frustrate demolition teams.
Council said coordinated invasions intensified around August 2023 and are being driven by politicians across the political divide, land barons and general invaders.
Some invaders are also occupying land already allocated or leased to other beneficiaries who are still servicing it in anticipation of regularisation, the report adds.
“All these illegal developments shall be demolished,” it read.
The Town Clerk also raised alarm over forged paperwork. Land invaders in medium and low-density areas are reportedly using offer letters, agreements of sale and title deeds with scanned and forged signatures.
“All fake documents are being reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The illegal developments shall be demolished following due process,” the report says.
Demolitions are already underway in low-density areas to “maintain order and sanity”, the report says, adding that Council will not tolerate abuse of the Cooperative Act and Parallel Development Concept by land barons and politically connected individuals.
“Council shall continue to deal decisively with all invasion and illegal developments without fear and favour,” the report adds.
Meanwhile, council said it is mapping all areas that qualify for regularisation under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12].
Residents have been warned to verify land status with council before making any payments or starting construction to avoid losing money and property.
