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MEMBERS of an apostolic church sect have riled residents after erecting illegal structures on the edges of Sherwood Golf Course in Mabelreign and Hillside Park.
The City of Harare is planning to tear down the temporary structures which are on the golf course.
Residents have been complaining about the building of structures by church members on the golf course, along Hillmorton Road, and in Hillside Park, along Brookes Road.
The residents said activities of the apostolic sect were lowering the value of their properties.
“They have built a grass toilet and, from my observation, they slept there last night.
“Is this allowed?” said Terrence Ndoro, a resident of Mabelreign, yesterday.
“They have put up structures and these were not there yesterday morning.”
Ward 16 councillor, Denford Ngadziore, confirmed that Council would remove members of the apostolic sect.
One of the grass structures, erected by members of the apostolic sect, is close to an illegal dumpsite.
They complained that the church members do not have access to proper waste management facilities and they dump their waste at the dumpsite. Illegal settlements are a huge problem in Harare, with a number of them being found in different suburbs in the same ward.
Meanwhile, Hillside residents said the problem of illegal settlements was fuelling crime in the area. Some of the illegal settlers from Westminster Road make a living through collecting recyclables. They live with their families in plastic-made shacks.
The illegal settlers get water from Mukuvisi River. Earlier this year, Clr Ngadziore said the issue of illegal settlements was a problem along Westminster Road and behind Richwell Gardens.
“We have tried to engage the police and local neighbourhood watch and these people were removed. I am sure it’s a process that is supposed to be happening with assistance from the police. So, we will engage the neighbourhood watch and see how it goes,” he said.
Online Reporter