Online Reporter
The Herald 29 June 1987
THE question of whether to allow residents in low-density -suburbs to build additional cottages in their yards met with mixed reaction at a recent meeting of the Harare City Council.
Harare mayor Councillor Solomon Tawengwa asked councillors to vote on the issue and most members agreed to the matter being referred back to the town planning and works committee for further discussion.
Fourteen councillors voted to refer the issue while 11 voted against.
The recommendation made by the town planning and works committee which sparked off debate read: “That it be council policy that all applications for permission to establish cottages, guest cottages or guest houses detached from the existing main dwelling house on already fully developed residential properties intended for use by one family unit, shall be refused.”
The chairman of the town planning and works committee, Cllr John Chiweshe, said that if low density suburb residents were allowed to build additional cottages in their yards “this would lower standards”.
He said people were moving from high to low-density suburbs for a purpose and it was undesirable that such people tried to accommodate their extended family in a small yard in the low density suburbs.
“We (town planning and works committee) are saying that we do not want a little Glen View in Highlands, let us not be overtaken by people who want to suit themselves,” he said.
Clr John Zhakata, who voted against the committee recommendation, said the council should consider giving permission to people in the low density suburbs to build additional cottages if such people had big yards and had plans approved by the council.
Clr T Mapanzure told the meeting that the recommendation should be referred back to the committee on the grounds that many African families had extended families and were finding difficulty accommodating their large household in some small houses in the low- density suburbs.
Lessons for today:
- From this article, we can draw several important lessons about governance, housing, and social change. The article teaches that urban development decisions must balance planning standards, cultural realities, and social needs, while allowing space for debate and thoughtful policymaking.
- Councillors were divided on the issue (14 vs 11 votes), showing different viewpoints. In leadership and governance, decisions are rarely unanimous, debate is essential to reach balanced outcomes.
- Some councillors wanted to maintain low-density standards (less crowding, better planning). Others recognised the need to accommodate extended families. Cultural values shape housing needs. Many African families have extended family structures. Hence Policies should consider cultural practices and family systems, not just technical planning rules.
- Some leaders argued for strict rules (no additional cottages), while others supported controlled flexibility (allowing them with approval). Good governance often requires flexible solutions, rather than rigid policies.
