Jacob Mafume, the mayor of Harare, has said that the city is working with the government to carry out demolitions in an orderly manner and protect people who may have been tricked by land barons. This comes after the government called the demolitions inhumane last week when Harare tore down 30 houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere.
Mafume explained yesterday to NewsDay that the city is cooperating with the government, which has now told Town House to stop the demolitions. He said that while demolitions should be orderly, people must follow the country's laws. He pointed out that some people have built houses where children are supposed to play, and if the city allows that, it will make the children unhappy.
The mayor also said that they have reported the land barons to the police and are waiting for them to be arrested. He added that if there are people who can have their homes made legal, they should be allowed to do so.
NewsDay learned from sources at Town House that 144 applicants are set to have their homes made legal based on some council decisions. One of the projects, Tafara Pay Schemes, led by Everson Luni, has followed all the council's rules for town planning. They have paid application fees, circulations, Zesa, surveying fees, and the Environment Management Agency and sewer costs.
It was recently heard in court that the scheme asked to be made legal, and the council accepted their application. Addmore Nhekairo, the housing director for Harare City Council, said in court that the Tafara Extension Housing Scheme is being considered to be made legal.
There has been a fight over the scheme between Luni, Enock Zvidzai, and someone named Makamba, who wanted to take over the scheme. The matter ended up in court, and Luni won after it emerged that the other side only wanted to apply for 100 stands. Luni has been given a partial compliance certificate.
In other news, the council has decided to legalize the Mbare flats, including areas like Matapi. Tenants can get them for free or for a minimal amount of money.
Mafume explained yesterday to NewsDay that the city is cooperating with the government, which has now told Town House to stop the demolitions. He said that while demolitions should be orderly, people must follow the country's laws. He pointed out that some people have built houses where children are supposed to play, and if the city allows that, it will make the children unhappy.
The mayor also said that they have reported the land barons to the police and are waiting for them to be arrested. He added that if there are people who can have their homes made legal, they should be allowed to do so.
NewsDay learned from sources at Town House that 144 applicants are set to have their homes made legal based on some council decisions. One of the projects, Tafara Pay Schemes, led by Everson Luni, has followed all the council's rules for town planning. They have paid application fees, circulations, Zesa, surveying fees, and the Environment Management Agency and sewer costs.
It was recently heard in court that the scheme asked to be made legal, and the council accepted their application. Addmore Nhekairo, the housing director for Harare City Council, said in court that the Tafara Extension Housing Scheme is being considered to be made legal.
There has been a fight over the scheme between Luni, Enock Zvidzai, and someone named Makamba, who wanted to take over the scheme. The matter ended up in court, and Luni won after it emerged that the other side only wanted to apply for 100 stands. Luni has been given a partial compliance certificate.
In other news, the council has decided to legalize the Mbare flats, including areas like Matapi. Tenants can get them for free or for a minimal amount of money.
