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Bulawayo Bureau
Government and the Bulawayo City Council are heading for a clash after the latter vowed to fight a directive for the demolition of all structures built within 70 metres and 45 metres on either side of railway lines and roads respectively.
Last week, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development gave the owners of the buildings a 90 day ultimatum to pull down their structures or risk being forced out.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development noted with concern the illegal erection and construction of structures within road and railway servitudes in contravention of the country’s laws and stipulated regulations.
“The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development (Joram Gumbo) hereby, wishes to call on members of the public whose structures are within the road and rail servitudes to remove them within 90 days,” reads part of the statement.
However, the BCC is defending its residents. They are arguing that all properties in the city were built following all council by-laws and therefore there is no need to demolish the structures.
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Cde Joram Gumbo told Sunday News that the Government’s directive stands.
Areas in the city that could be affected by this directive include Mpopoma, Entumbane, Nguboyenja and Mahatshula were houses were constructed close to the railway line.
Some houses along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge road could also be affected as they are only a few metres from the highway.
In an interview with Sunday News, Bulawayo mayor Councillor Martin Moyo said they can not demolish the houses as they had approved them given that they adhere to council by-laws.
“We will ignore Government’s directive to destroy houses within such stipulated distance. As far as we are concerned, all houses in our city were constructed according to council by-laws. As council, we have a strict regime of assertion plan on where to erect structures. We do not allow construction of houses without council approval.
“Houses in Entumbane and Mpopoma are over 60 years now, so people staying in those areas cannot be affected today because when we originally built their houses there, they were approved and all by-laws were religiously followed,” said Clr Moyo.
The mayor said they would only destroy houses that were illegally constructed.
“Demolishing will only happen if those houses were illegally constructed. As council, we will look into each individual case before demolishing. Therefore, our residents should not panic,” he said.
BCC senior public relations officer, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu also concurred with the mayor. She said all structures within BCC’s jurisdiction followed council by-laws.
However, in an interview, Cde Gumbo said while councils have their own by-laws, Government’s set standards and regulations have to be followed.
“Yes, they have their by-laws but they are superseded by Government. l advice them to take this directive seriously.
“People who are constructing structures in these areas should also stop immediately,” said Cde Gumbo.
Online Reporter