Ivan Zhakata – Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has urged the Government and local authorities to ensure that ongoing demolitions of unlawful structures are conducted lawfully and humanely, while calling for immediate action against land barons exploiting desperate home seekers.
In a statement, the commission acknowledged the necessity of enforcing urban planning regulations and protecting environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, but emphasised that demolitions must respect the rights and dignity of affected families.
The ZHRC stated that the destruction of homes inflicts far-reaching consequences, including emotional distress, financial hardship, and social dislocation, which severely affect children, older persons, and other vulnerable groups.
“Where enforcement action becomes necessary, the commission encourages that all applicable legal and administrative processes be observed and that every reasonable effort be made to mitigate the hardship occasioned by displacement,” the statement read.
The commission noted that Zimbabwe’s recurring issue of unlawful settlements and subsequent demolitions requires a comprehensive response that addresses acute housing shortages and the inadequate access to affordable, legally allocated residential stands. Rapid urbanisation and population growth continue to strain housing delivery systems, leaving low-income families vulnerable to unscrupulous land dealers.
“In many instances, families invest their hard-earned resources, sometimes their entire life savings, in the expectation of securing a permanent home, only to find themselves exposed to the prospect of displacement and substantial financial loss,” the commission stated.
To mitigate these challenges, the commission called on the Government to strengthen housing delivery strategies and expand access to affordable residential land. It further urged local authorities to accelerate the development of residential stands, reduce housing waiting lists, and improve transparency in land allocation frameworks.
The ZHRC also demanded rigorous investigations into fraudulent land sales, unlawful allocations, and corruption, insisting that those responsible be held accountable.
Concurrently, prospective homeowners were urged to verify the legality of residential stands with relevant authorities before purchasing land or commencing construction.
The commission maintained that orderly urban development, environmental protection, and human rights are complementary objectives, urging authorities to ensure citizens are provided with realistic opportunities to acquire housing through lawful channels.
