The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata Senior Reporter
FAMILIES that have illegally settled themselves on un-serviced land risk having their structures demolished by Government because their actions are unlawful.
In apparent reference to the mushrooming of squatters in Mutare’s Chikanga and Dangamvura high-density suburb, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, said in a wide ranging interview last week that those settling themselves illegally were doing so at their own peril.
“We are totally against the proliferation of settlements which are done outside the law,” he said. “Those people who allow themselves to be settled in a careless manner by people who have no authority, run the risk of having those houses being demolished by Government because we have to respect the rule of law.”
Cde Kasukuwere said corrupt land developers were behind these illegal settlements. “We want land developers who are responsible who when given land by the State will develop key infrastructure before settling people where there is no infrastructure. What we have observed over the years is that some of the developers basically dupe the State as well as residents.
“They peg land without providing services, sell the same and disappear, leaving people without critical services like water, sewer and roads,” he said.
At its last full council meeting last month, Mutare City Council, resolved that it would engage its parent ministry for help to evict more than 6 000 families illegally settled in Dangamvura and Chikanga.
The city fathers feared that municipal police officers were no match to the cheeky illegal settlers who once trounced council cops some years back when they attempted to evict them.
Coming to the state of affairs at the Civic Centre, Cde Kasukuwere, said he was happy with the job being done by the current administration. “I am impressed. The new brooms at council, especially the Town Clerk, have been doing a good job,” he said.
“First and foremost, the stakeholders’ confidence is growing. We are also pleased that ratepayers in Mutare have started increasing their corporation and things seem to be moving smoothly. ‘‘We want to encourage residents to continue paying their rates because the city administration is also investing wisely in trying to improve residents’ welfare.
“Like I said, Mutare is one of those councils we are committed to support in housing development so that the municipality will raise more money to embark on housing projects as well as provide basic services to the people.”
