admin
SHELTER is a basic human need as it is crucial for survival.
In line with this universal right, Government is implementing the National Development Strategy (NDS1), and the provision of housing has been classified as a key pillar to the attainment of an upper middle class economy by 2030.
Under NDS1, the delivery of more housing units will result in the swift clearance of an existing backlog, and ensure that citizens access affordable and quality settlements in urban and rural areas.
Elsewhere in this issue we carry a long running story on illegal settlements in Mutare that have created headaches to the local authority.
The mere mentioning of Gimboki and Federation housing schemes quickly brings to mind the mayhem caused by land barons who duped unsuspecting home-seekers to part with their hard-earned cash and sold them dummies.
Problems facing families in these schemes are well-known and well-documented.
Several interventions were made to rectify the situation, but none provided the much-needed urgent solution.
Now Mutare City Council is crying for help.
The local authority which is battling to offer decent services to bonafide ratepayers under its area of jurisdiction now has a mammoth task to provide services to ‘squatters’ that are not paying a cent.
It is a dilemma.
Council cannot ignore the existence of these illegal settlements because what happens in these areas has a direct influence on the quality of life of adjacent well established suburbs.
Mutare mayor, Councillor Blessing Tandi revealed that council is forced to provide water, health facilities as well as rehabilitate roads in these illegal settlements because failure to do so will result in the spread of water-borne disease that will affect the whole city.
Basically the existence of these illegal settlements is a time bomb.
Urgent workable solution are required to service the stands and provide water and sanitation facilities.
Those conversant with the dynamics in these illegal settlements know that the beneficiaries of the unserviced pieces of land lost a fortune to fraudsters who lied to them.
They are fed up and now look up to Government for redemption.
It is refreshing to note that Government has chipped in to bring order to the illegal settlements and ensure the provision of basic housing.
Manicaland Provincial Development Co-ordinator, Mr Edgars Seenza revealed that various private players have come on board and partnered Government to complete the servicing of the stands and regularise the settlements.
Tenders have been flighted, and the most suitable partners will soon be availed to kick-start the whole process.
It is the wish of many that land barons who caused this unfortunate situation be brought to book and account for their actions.
Culprits who defrauded people are well-known as some of them are living lavishly from the ill-gotten money.
Hundreds of cases were brought before the courts and they are gathering dust on the shelves because of lack of evidence and other legal factors.
Those who were duped must follow up their reports, provide the necessary evidence to initiate trials and convictions.
The Second Republic has since declared zero tolerance against corruption, and the fight against land barons is well-oiled.
Several have been arrested and convicted throughout the country, and the same must apply to Gimboki and Federation housing schemes were thousands of people were defrauded.
Online Reporter