By Michael Gwarisa
In a sweeping move to restore order to Harare’s chaotic urban expansion, the City of Harare has launched a major demolition campaign targeting over 160 illegal settlements across the capital. The action follows recommendations from the Town Clerk’s Office and the City’s Regularisation Task Force, which identified more than 222 illegal developments on wetlands, school sites, and low-density areas—all falling outside the scope of the national regularisation agenda.
The demolitions are part of a broader effort to align with the National Human Settlement Policy and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which emphasize planned, sustainable urban growth and responsible land use. However, the initiative is also unearthing a web of land baronism, forged documents, and politically motivated land grabs, particularly in high-value suburbs and sensitive ecological zones.
High-Profile Demolition Sites
Among the many illegal developments slated for demolition, several stand out for their scale, duration of illegality, and the socio-political complexity involved:
Greendale and Amby Township
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In Greendale, 45 stands have been illegally developed over the past eight years on Athlone/Latimer (TP2F/ER/05/15) and TPF/ER/07/19/1. Some structures were previously demolished in 2021, yet construction resumed. Bona fide beneficiaries, who followed legal processes, were displaced by land barons using fake offer letters.
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In Amby Township, Stands 154–166 have been illegally built up with cluster houses and cabins. Investigations are ongoing.
Budiriro
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A major hotspot, Budiriro hosts over 40 illegal housing cooperatives. Sites like Stand 974, Glen Eagles Farm, and Budiriro 5 CABS Phase 2 have structures built on wetlands or designated school land.
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Notable cooperatives involved include Ebenezer, Chiedza Chedu, Totonga, and Northlands Housing GV Cooperative, all of which have ignored planning laws since at least 2013.
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The Budiriro 4 Extension has seen illegal developments on clinic and school sites from 2015 to 2018 by Tabudirira Phase 2, among others.
Kuwadzana Paddocks
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This area is home to more than 30 illegal cooperatives, including Takaitora Nyika, Parkridge, Ruvimbo, Bantu, United We Stand, and Excellence Stars, all active since 2012. Despite notice after notice, residents persisted—some erecting permanent homes.
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Court orders have now been obtained, and demolitions are imminent.
Belvedere
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Stand 901 of 163 Quinnington (Binton Road) has seen the construction of a double-storey building and boundary walls using fake documentation. Enforcement notices and demolition reports have been completed.
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Near West Ridge Primary School, the Bridgestone Housing Cooperative had its developments demolished but reoccupied the site, prompting new court action.
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Stand 149 (7700 Belvedere West) faces imminent demolition after court orders were secured. A total of 13 stands along TP2F/WR/04/21/1 are also under scrutiny.
Politically-Backed Land Invasions and Land Baronism
The report underscores a disturbing trend: land barons and politically connected actors are fueling illegal land grabs, especially in low-density areas. According to the city, “invasions intensified around August 2023,” often happening at night or over weekends. Land barons encourage occupiers to build and immediately reside in the structures to complicate demolition efforts.
In Mabelreign, Glen Lorne, and Chisipite, wetlands and open spaces have been carved up into stands. In some instances, churches and even political parties have been implicated in the invasions.
Wetlands and Heritage Sites: No-Go Zones
Many of the illegal developments are on ecologically sensitive wetlands, which cannot be regularised under national environmental laws. These include:
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Glen Eagles Farm in Budiriro: Home to over ten cooperatives with structures built on wetlands. All these are marked for demolition.
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Open space behind Glen Norah B Flats and Makonye Area are other wetland zones under threat from illegal building.
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The Harare Drive Road Reserve—a strategic corridor—has also been invaded by land seekers, prompting swift legal and enforcement action.
Use of Forged Documents
Council has flagged rampant use of forged documents including offer letters, title deeds, and sales agreements. In some cases, these documents bear scanned signatures of deceased council officials. This scam has flourished in areas such as:
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Westlea (Warren Park 4 School) where 10 cabins and perimeter walls were built using fake permits.
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Tynwald, Crowborough, and Dzivarasekwa—where multiple churches and co-ops have used doctored paperwork to claim land.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has been roped in to investigate and prosecute these crimes.
Council’s Legal and Regularisation Framework
The demolitions are not happening in a legal vacuum. The City of Harare developed a Regularisation Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and a Regularisation Checklist to ensure consistent, lawful action. Settlements that qualify for regularisation must:
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Not be on wetlands, school or recreational sites
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Be pre-September 2023 in origin
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Comply with urban planning standards
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Submit building plans and pay penalties
To date, 93 sites with 16,424 stands have been regularised, while 5831 stands across 12 settlements were rejected for regularisation. Key actions undertaken include land valuation, infrastructure design approvals, account creation for billing, and payment of penalties.
