Harare Stands Firm on Demolitions: The Devastating Reality of Illegal Structures and Land Barons
The City of Harare has reaffirmed its decision to demolish illegally constructed structures on land reserved for public amenities, wetlands, road reserves, and critical infrastructure, saying affected residents were repeatedly warned before notices were issued.
Several families and tens of thousands of small-to-medium businesses—whose structures occupy open spaces, farms, wetlands, vleis, and school or clinic sites—risk losing their properties as Harare intensifies its crackdown on land invasions across the city. A Harare City Council task force recently visited 22,255 sites, warning that structures built on prohibited or protected land will not be spared in the upcoming blitz.
"We cannot regularise and endorse lawlessness. Otherwise, people will end up building houses even at Rufaro Stadium, knowing that the City of Harare will regularise. We cannot turn Harare into a jungle."
— Mr. Stanley Gama, City of Harare Spokesperson
City Council Stance
Clear Warnings and Regularisation Limits
The City of Harare addresses the pushback from residents' trusts and explains why certain illegal settlements can never be regularised.
The city's position was outlined in a response by City of Harare spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama to concerns raised by the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) over demolition notices affecting thousands of households across the capital.
In a correspondence addressed to ZNOART national chairperson, Mr Shalvar Chikomba, Mr Gama said all areas identified in the notices remain earmarked for demolition. “All structures without council approvals and built on areas earmarked for social amenities or built on top of our water or sewer infrastructure will be demolished,” he said.
No Court Orders Required for Certain Cases
Mr Gama said while some affected parties had obtained court orders, others had not, adding that in certain cases, demolitions could proceed without court intervention depending on the circumstances. He argued that the notices issued by the council were clear and that the illegal status of some structures required no further explanation.
Addressing concerns raised by residents’ groups over the possibility of regularising some of the affected properties, Mr Gama said the council would only consider regularisation where it is legally and practically feasible.
Despite the demolition drive, the city council continues its parallel regularization programme for settlements that actually meet planning requirements.
The Nationwide Blitz
22,255 Sites Visited and Targeted
A breakdown of the specific suburbs, high-density areas, and commercial zones marked for imminent demolition by city authorities.
According to a town clerk’s report on the regularisation and demolition of illegal structures, further clearances are earmarked across the capital. More than 5,000 houses in high-density suburbs will be demolished under 37 High Court orders, alongside structures in over 40 “illegal” cooperatives.
Affected Zones Include: Greendale, Belvedere, Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Mabvuku, Glen View, Mabelreign, Tynwald, Crowborough, Chisipite, Glen Lorne, Southlea Park, Hopley, Mainway Meadows, Tafara, and Hatcliffe.
Specific Low-Density Targets: In Mabelreign and surrounding low-density areas—including Meyrick Park, Sentosa, and Madokero—67 structures are slated for demolition. Greendale and Amby Township will see 45 and 13 illegal stands demolished, respectively.
The report indicated that the Harare City Council is targeting illegal settlements linked to land barons, politically connected individuals, and organised groups occupying land earmarked for public facilities.
“A clear message is being sent to all land barons that the council will not tolerate lawlessness or the abuse of the Co-operative Act and Parallel Development Concept by politically connected individuals,” the report said.
Businesses are not spared: At Glen View 8 complex, structures along Willowvale Road will not be spared. Approximately 200 properties constructed along the Harare Drive expansion route will also be razed. Bulldozers are also set to target illegal restaurants, bars, and car washes in Milton Park and Waterfalls, while the mayor reportedly ordered the reversal of leases at Robert Mugabe Square.
Humanitarian Impact
Devastation in Stoneridge and Harare South
The immediate, devastating fallout for residents who watched helplessly as bulldozers reduced their homes and investments to rubble.
Residents of Stoneridge in Harare South are counting their losses after authorities demolished homes built on a disputed 20-hectare piece of land reportedly owned by a Chinese national.
"The demolitions left scores of families homeless, with women, children, war veterans and youths among those affected. Many residents watched helplessly as bulldozers reduced their homes to rubble, leaving them stranded in the open with no immediate alternative accommodation."
The disputed land has been at the centre of ownership wrangles, although details surrounding the legal status of the settlement and the circumstances leading to the demolitions were still emerging. Affected families said they lost household property and investments made over several years.
Harare South residents told NewsDay during the demolitions this week that the destruction of schools and houses has left them without alternatives.
“Schoolchildren have been greatly affected; authorities should have given residents enough time to make alternative arrangements,” an affected resident said, expressing deep concern that children will fall behind in their curricula.
“We are deeply hurt because we have nowhere to live. We are appealing for assistance, as this is the only home we have ever known,” another resident added.
Addressing the specific private land evictions, Harare mayor Jacob Mafume stated yesterday: “These were private actors following their own court orders and processes. This is not our land, so we cannot comment.”
Seeking Solutions
Calls for Engagement and the Uchena Report
Residents' associations demand transparency, urging the government to publish the Justice Uchena Commission report to expose the true land barons.
Harare Residents Trust executive director Precious Shumba said the conflict could have been resolved through the publication of the Justice Tendai Uchena Commission of Inquiry report.
“That report contains specific details about the land barons involved in parcelling out council and state land. We believe the President has a duty to publish it in the public interest,” Shumba stated.
The city’s response comes amid growing debate over the demolition notices, with residents’ groups calling for greater engagement and clarity while authorities insist that enforcement action is absolutely necessary.
Shumba added that city fathers have a duty to inform the public about land use the moment developments begin, rather than waiting for completion to demolish.
In response, Mr Gama called on residents’ associations to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of purchasing land from illegal land dealers. “The consequences look severe when we restore order, but why build on illegally acquired land?” he asked.
Protect Your Investment from Land Barons
"To avoid such challenges, people must stop buying land from land criminals. First seek clarity from the City of Harare before building or buying any piece of land." Ignorance is no defense against the bulldozer.
Breaking News from Sona Headlines
Match Panels to Inverter
Tips for optimal system performance.
3.5kVA Inverter Load Guide
Explore residential setup capabilities.
Best Solar Panels Zimbabwe
Analysis of performance and durability.
Solar Companies Zimbabwe
Customer service and reliability.
Best Solar Panel Brands
Guide for home and business solutions.
Solar Installers Zimbabwe
Professional and certified installers.
3kVA System Cost Guide
Get pricing information for Zimbabwe.
5kVA System Cost Guide
Budget requirements for systems.
David (Solar Sales)