adminLuthando Mapepa
AT LEAST 400 families were left homeless after their houses, illegally constructed without council approval, were demolished by the Chipinge Rural District Council. The demolitions ignited a series of demonstrations by angry residents.
On Wednesday, the irate residents took their protest to Headman Mahachi’s residence demanding council and the District Administrator to address them to solve the issue.
The protesters comprised of residents who had their houses demolished, some who had their stand repossessed for failing to pay up and those whose crops were slashed by the municipality for planting in prohibited areas.
Council officials said residents were building houses willy-nilly disregarding municipal by-laws.
When interviewed Headman Lovemore Mahachi urged Government to intervene and address the situation which might turn nasty.
He said the affected families were seeking refuge at his traditional court after their homes were demolished.
“Close to 400 homeless villagers are seeking refuges at my place after their homes were demolished by council. We urge all parties involved in this issue to come together and map the way forward. We need to get answers why council has taken this drastic measure of destroying property. Where does council want these people to go?” he said.
Efforts to get a comment from Chipinge Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr James Mundoma were fruitless at the time of going to print.
District Administrator Mr Edgars Seenza said the local authority was demolishing illegal structures that were not inspected by the council.
Online Reporter