ZAKA -Over 100 households are likely to be left homeless as Zaka Rural District Council enforces demolition of structures built without council approval.
The council, in an order issued in terms of Section 32 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12], ordered occupiers to discontinue use of the land, demolish all structures and restore the land to its original state.
The enforcement, which is in line with the National Clean-up, Restoration of Order and Safety Program, comes after residents allegedly continued developing land without development permits despite warnings dating back to 2016.
Demolitions of illegal houses, which have been common in Harare, are now set to be carried out in Zaka if affected residents fail to comply with the enforcement orders.
According to the notice, any person aggrieved may lodge an appeal with the council in terms of Section 38 of the Act, however all operations on the ground shall remain suspended until the appeal is determined or withdrawn.
Failure to comply will result in penalties, including restoration of the land at the expense of the owner.
Speaking to TellZim News, Zaka RDC Chief Executive Officer David Majaura confirmed the development and said council was implementing the national programme.
“That process is implementation of the call to the National Clean-up, Restoration, Order and Safety programme by our Permanent Secretary.
It covers all illegal settlers in and around Jerera peri-urban, and other areas like Ndanga RSC.
It’s an ongoing process and so far 118 culprits have been served,” said Majaura.
He added that the programme was not targeting illegal settlers alone but also illegal vendors and dilapidated buildings around the district.
“The programme is multifaceted, including general cleanliness in the CBD, dealing with illegal vending and trying to force them to trade at designated places, also face lifting of buildings and dilapidated ones. Legal action is pending for those not cooperating,” said Majaura.
In a letter sent to Chief Ndanga seen by TellZim News, the local authority cited three laws to justify the demolitions, stating that the settlements violate the approved master plan and were done without council authority.
The council said any new settlement must conform to an approved master plan, but the structures around Jerera are not incorporated in the approved Zaka District Master Plan.”Regional, Town, and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12) says any new settlement, or development must conform to an approved master plan.
The current illegal structures are not incorporated in the approved Zaka District Master Plan, extension of Jerera District Service Centre and therefore constitute unauthorized development.
“Communal Lands Act (Chapter 20:04) Section 8 provides that occupation and use of communal land must be with the authority of the Rural District Council, on advice of the traditional leadership. The new settlers have not followed this process.”In view of the above, we humbly request your intervention to halt further illegal settlements with immediate effect. To verify and account for all new occupants in line with Communal Lands Act (Chapter 20:04),” reads part of the letter.
Speaking in a recent full council meeting, Majaura said he was impressed by the support they were getting from Chief Ndanga, born Wilson Makono, who had been helping council identify illegal settlers in his area.
Chief Ndanga at some point fined several village heads for selling land and ordered a roll call meant to identify locals and those who bought land.Since 2016, Zaka RDC has been trying to stop the sprouting of illegal settlements around Jerera in areas earmarked for Jerera expansion.
However, council was facing resistance from traditional leaders, mainly village heads who were allegedly benefiting from the land sales.Majaura said a few had complied with the order and ceased construction or demolished the structures.
The process started in Musiso Village, Benjamin Village, Mateko Village, Harry Village and Chidzurira Village, with council moving through its planning department issuing 30-day enforcement orders.
