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Your Money, Your Call
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba
THE recent demolitions in Harare have once again brought to light the persistent issue of illegal land sales and the devastating impact on unsuspecting residents.
On November 7, the Harare City Council demolished dozens of structures in the Ridgeview area of Belvedere and other places, saying the structures were built on property fraudulently acquired from land barons.
The move has sparked outrage and raised critical questions about the timing of these demolitions and the measures residents can take to protect themselves.
For many residents, the demolitions have been nothing short of a nightmare.
Families that invested their life savings into building houses now find themselves homeless, facing the harsh reality of starting over. The council’s actions, while legally justified, have been criticised for their timing and the perceived lack of communication with the affected residents.
Many argue that the local authority should intervene earlier in the construction stages, rather than wait until homes have been completed.
One resident expressed his frustration, saying: “We were advised to carry on building the houses, with the authorities saying the papers were in order, and we proceeded. No normal person would build in a place that was not approved.”
This sentiment was echoed by many others who feel betrayed by both the land barons and the authorities.
Land barons have been a thorn in the side of urban development in Zimbabwe for years. These individuals or groups illegally sell land they do not own to unsuspecting people, often with forged documents. The buyers, eager to own property, often do not verify the legitimacy of the land, leading to situations like the one in Belvedere.
The Harare City Council has vowed to crack down on these illegal activities in its bid to restore order in the city.
To avoid falling victim to land barons, residents must take proactive steps. Here are some recommendations:
Verify land ownership: Before purchasing any land, verify its ownership with the City of Harare. Ensure that the seller has legitimate documents and that the land is designated for residential use.
Seek legal advice: Consult with a legal professional to review all documents related to the land purchase. This can help identify any red flags early in the process.
Check council approvals: Ensure that all building plans are approved by the council. This includes verifying that the land has the necessary infrastructure, such as sewer and water facilities.
Stay informed: Keep abreast of any announcements or warnings from the City of Harare regarding land sales and construction regulations. This can help you avoid areas that are under scrutiny or have been flagged for illegal activities.
Report suspicious activities: If you suspect that land is being sold illegally, report the matter to the authorities immediately. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
While residents must take steps to protect themselves, there is also a need for greater accountability from the authorities.
The Harare City Council should improve its communication with residents and intervene earlier in the construction process to prevent negative outcomes.
Additionally, there should be stricter penalties for land barons to deter them from continuing with their illegal activities. By working together, residents and authorities can create a safer, more transparent process for land acquisition and construction, ensuring that such demolitions do not occur in the future.
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing consultant with a strong passion for customer service/experience. For comments, suggestions and training, she can be reached at [email protected] or at +263712979461, 0719978335, 0772978335, www.customersuccess.co.zw
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