Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
WARD 12 Councillor Simon Manzanga has appealed to Government for lease agreements for all settlements in his ward, especially those with approved plans.
In an interview, Cllr Manzanga said cooperatives are doing very well, but residents are failing to get ownership.
“So we appeal to the Ministry of Local Government for approved plans to get lease agreements and offer letters,” he said.
Cllr Manzanga also appealed for the approval of plans of other settlements with maps so that there is no continuation of illegal construction.
“This is because this area has a lot of housing cooperatives and if there are no approved plans, as is the current situation, it results in land meant for schools, clinics and community centres being allocated for housing stands,” he said.
“We are facing challenges of delayed paperwork. So I appeal for Government intervention because what is important for residents of Harare is shelter and this is leading to demolitions.”
Cllr Manzanga urged residents not to settle on land without requisite paperwork.
“I urge residents, before construction, to first understand the situation and position of their land so they do not waste their money on land that will end up being demolished,” he said.
Cllr Manzanga said there is a need for Local Government and council to stop developments on land meant for schools clinics or other Government institutions to avoid demolitions.
“Because we are facing quite a huge number of demolitions in Ward 12,” he said.
Cllr Manzanga said over 760 houses were demolished recently, with the affected families now either renting or camping.
“So we are also appealing to Government for the affected families to be legally resettled,” Cllr Manzanga said.
“A house could have had 10 or 15 occupants, so the figures of people affected by the demolitions are huge.
“And the people are camped where there is no water, no toilets and shelter with this cold weather. So I appeal to the highest offices to see how they can assist.”
Cllr Manzanga said a Chinese man claimed to own the land after winning a court case leading to the evictions.
“The courts do not lie, but we also pity the affected families, the money wasted by residents building the houses, building materials, boreholes drilled, all that was demolished; that is why we appeal to Government to intervene,” he said.
