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Harare City Council has warned land barons against illegally parcelling out land to desperate home seekers, saying it was criminal, and they would face the consequences soon.
In a statement, council said there had been an influx of land invasions in and around the city, including wetlands and land meant for other purposes.
“The city is buoyed by the Government’s support against land invasions and will ensure that all land is properly planned for and is used for what it is zoned for,” council said.
“As council, we sympathise with residents who chose to listen to land barons instead of council which controls development in its area of jurisdiction. But while we commiserate with them, we are determined to bring order in Harare and to restore the invaded land to its planned use.”
Council said the land being invaded is earmarked for schools and business centres, while some of it is unsuitable for construction.
“Wetlands are being invaded and parcelled out as housing land, but City of Harare and the Government are the only land authorities in Harare.
“No one besides council and the Government (State land) has the mandate to distribute any land for any purpose.
“Council will therefore not entertain any persons or individuals who settle themselves on municipal land without its consent.”
Council added that anyone who chooses to build without approval would be throwing their investment down the drain.
“Residents and home seekers are free to visit our district offices and Remembrance Drive offices in Mbare to make inquiries about any housing development project in Harare,” council said.
Online Reporter