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Municipal Reporter
Harare City Council Audit Committee has been tasked to investigate and report on land barons who are parcelling out invaded council land and charging desperate citizens exorbitant fees in Mufakose, Kuwadzana and Glen Norah, among other residential areas.
During a prolonged debate in the ordinary council, it emerged that some land barons were issuing out land at a fee in the Mufakose home industrial area and Budiriro residential area.
It was also revealed that some churches operating from undesignated sites in Dzivarasekwa were using blair toilets contrary to the city’s by-laws.
It was also noted that although the operators of the flea markets sprouting up in the central business district possess documentary permits from council, they should immediately be evacuated.
“Council is not benefiting but the illegal landlords who are ripping off unsuspecting operators,” read part of the 1 837th Ordinary Council Minutes of September 4.
During further discussion, council tasked the audit committee to investigate the persons who were allegedly benefiting by illegally parcelling out invaded land at a fee and the authenticity of the permits held by the operators.
“Council further tasked His Worship, the Mayor, and the town clerk to draw the attention of Government through the ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing on the gravity of the situation and the need to address the problem as a matter of urgency,” read part of the council minutes.
The councillors resolved to identify suitable sites where the operators who were currently operating on undesignated sites would be moved to and to expedite putting up of infrastructure at home industrial sites in the city as well as allocate home industrial stalls as a way of averting illegal invasions.
They also resolved that land barons charging unsuspecting operators be prosecuted and that flea market traders operating at Cleveland House be relocated with immediate effect.
Last week, the city failed to carry out a planned demolition of more than 300 structures built by illegal settlers in Glen Norah after serving the settlers with 48-hour eviction notices.
According to the city, some of the land they settled on is reserved as public open spaces and for recreation facilities while the other land are wetlands.
A fortnight ago Chitungwiza demolished illegal structures after residents who were given an order stopping them from developing properties which are deemed to be illegal defied the directive.
Online Reporter