Mutare City Council joins Harare, vows to demolish illegal buildings: Your house in Zimbabwe is only safe if you meet these 3 conditions

The City of Mutare has announced it will begin demolishing illegal structures that lack required council approvals, joining a broader campaign by Zimbabwean urban authorities to clear unauthorized settlements.

Mutare Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka stated that the council does not immediately resort to demolition. The process typically begins with the issuance of notices, warnings, and prohibition orders. If construction persists, the council seeks a demolition order through the courts. Mr. Chafesuka noted that some legal disputes over illegal developments have lasted between five and 10 years, during which time property owners often continue construction, resulting in more extensive structures by the time a court-authorized demolition occurs.

During a panel discussion at the Public Service Retirement Conference, Mr. Chafesuka addressed public concerns regarding why authorities wait until buildings are completed before taking action. He stated that some individuals defy lawful instructions and utilize the court system to delay enforcement.

Emma Mandiziba, the City of Mutare’s Director of Housing and Community Services, emphasized that prospective property buyers bear the responsibility of conducting due diligence. She advised that buyers should not rely solely on promises from sellers, housing cooperatives, or middlemen.

According to city officials, property owners can mitigate the risk of demolition by meeting three primary conditions. First, buyers must verify the legal authority of the seller and confirm who holds the title to the land. Second, buyers must ensure the local authority has approved the development and that the land is designated for residential use. Third, construction must adhere to the council’s inspection system, with each stage of building approved before the property is occupied.

City officials warned that informal allocation letters, receipts, or promises of future incorporation into city limits do not constitute legal council approval.

The campaign against illegal settlements is also active in Harare. Since July 2023, a Regularisation Task Force has reviewed 101 settlements, regularizing 93 of them. However, the council has stated that regularisation will not be extended to developments on wetlands, school sites, recreational areas, or land invaded after September 24, 2023.

Harare Planning Director Samuel Nyabeza stated that the city intends to intensify its operations to restore urban planning standards. He reiterated that structures built without approved plans or on land lacking necessary sewer and water infrastructure are subject to removal. Authorities have advised residents to visit district offices to confirm the status of land and the legitimacy of sellers before committing funds to property transactions.

Article and image source: myzimbabwe.co.zw