Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
FAMILIES illegally settled in wetlands and other unauthorised areas in Epworth and Chitungwiza are set to be resettled on land to be availed by the Government.
The move is set to bring relief to families living in high-risk areas, while also enabling authorities to protect the environment and enforce urban planning regulations, as the Government seeks to balance its mandate to provide shelter with the need to safeguard citizens and the environment.
This comes after at least 89 people were left homeless in Epworth following torrential rains that hit the community over the past two days, leaving a trail of destruction, especially along Jacha River.
The heavy rains pounded the area yesterday afternoon, prompting Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tavengwa to tour the settlement and witness the damage firsthand.
The minister, who was accompanied by officials from the Civil Protection Department, council members, and representatives from the Red Cross, visited areas worst hit by the floods, including Jacha, Domboramwari and Overspill, where a footbridge connecting the two areas was partially swept away, cutting off access to essential services such as council offices, police and a polyclinic.
“We have requested the Government for more land for both Epworth and Chitungwiza to serve people who illegally settled on wetlands, areas reserved for schools, clinics, and other places,” Minister Tavengwa said.
“We need land to resettle people and for cemeteries. However, the most disappointing part is that some people have been allocated proper land, but they are not moving there.”
The council is working to regularise these settlements and move people to areas meant for proper residency, but cooperation from residents has been an issue.
Epworth South legislator, Cde Taedzwa Mutana, urged private players and non-governmental organisations to come on board to assist the affected communities.
“All stakeholders should join hands with the Government and provide support to these vulnerable communities. Let us work together to build resilience and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Epworth has proposed a new map to facilitate this expansion towards the Goromonzi area.
This development is likely aimed at addressing the pressing issue of housing and accommodating the growing population in the area.
The expansion could also potentially alleviate the burden on existing infrastructure and services in Epworth.
Epworth Mayor, Councillor Nyarai Rutsito, appealed to the Government to expedite the allocation of extra land for the council to cater for housing and cemeteries.
“We are facing a crisis and we need urgent action. The Local Board have since sent the request and the procedures are being followed.
“The Zinyengere cemeteries are already full, and we need alternative land to bury our people with dignity,” she said.
According to officials, approximately 2 500 houses in Epworth are vulnerable to flooding as they are located on wetlands.
In Ward 5, at least seven houses were completely destroyed and around 500 houses are at risk of collapse if the rains persist.
Nineteen people from nine families were evacuated to Epworth High School, while over 70 people in Ward 2 were relocated to neighbouring houses.
The Red Cross has pledged to assist the affected communities, providing tarpaulins, buckets and support for water, sanitation and hygiene programmes to prevent waterborne diseases.
