Edgar Gweshe

Houses that were under construction near Manyame River in Chitungwiza were demolished last Thursday as the local authority moves to stop illegal housing developments.

About four houses that were still under construction were demolished. The houses are located in Chitungwiza’s Ward 3.

The Chitungwiza Municipality contends that they had given the residents prior warning to stop the illegal developments and moved in to effect demolitions following defiance of its orders.

According to the local authority, the housing stands were also allocated illegally.

Information gathered showed that construction at the site began mid-July. Some of the demolished houses were near completion stage.

The local authority’s Spokesperson, Tafadzwa Kachiko said they were on high alert to stop illegal developments.

He said the area where the houses were being built is not suitable for any form of development.

“Members of the public are warned against building structures on illegal stands and without following due processes. Our development control team is on high alert to stop any illegal developments.

The recent demolition of houses that were under construction near Manyame River happened a few weeks after we issued stop development notices. The area, which is just 10 metres from the river, is not a safe place to call home. Imagine what will happen if the river floods,” said Kachiko.

Illegal land allocations and developments has resulted in the sprouting of illegal settlements in Chitungwiza.

The local authority estimates that there are 32 000 illegal settlements in the dormitory town.

“Development control is a continuous exercise. We are saying no to illegal developments. Whenever and wherever we see illegal structures, we are going to take action.

We encourage residents to build on approved stands, have development permits, or have approved plans. In addition to carrying out any development on any given stand, one should have an offer letter, signed lease of agreement or proof of ownership, a valid clearance certificate, an approved site plan, a signed survey diagram, approved civil works designs, an approved and valid building plan, a copy of the peg form, and a copy of the peg form, and a copy of the stage form,” said Kachiko.

Investigations revealed that a group of ZANU PF activists had allocated themselves the residential stands in breach of council procedures. Other sources revealed that a former ZANU PF Councillor for Ward 3, John Matiyenga is said to be leading the illegal land sales and invasions.

“Former ZANU PF Councillor John Matiyenga is behind the sale of the residential stands. He has benefitted from the illegal sale of stands in this area and he is selling the land to unsuspecting victims. He has also issued out stands to ZANU PF activists in this area as he seeks to consolidate his political power,” said a source who declined to be named.

Matiyenga however denied the allegations.

“I was a Councilor for that area from 2018 to 2023 and never sold a piece of land. I was actually one of the Councilors that were vocal about illegal land sales in Chitungwiza. These are just baseless allegations” said Matiyenga.

When contacted for comment, Chitungwiza Ward 3 Councillor, Foster Chabuka confirmed the demolitions.

He however said he was not aware as to how the affected individuals had been allocated the land.

Chabuka however could not rule out the possibility of political activists invading the area. He however was not in a position to give names.

“I was away when the demolitions took place and I need to get more information from council regarding how these stands were issued,” said Chabuka.

Chitungwiza Residents Trust (CHITREST) Coordinator for Ward 3, Isaac Gono confirmed the development.

“The demolitions were as a result of a directive from council. We witnessed about 4 houses close to the river being demolished but we also heard that these people were told that they had settled on land that had been sold to other individuals as well,” said Gono.