Saviour Kasukuwere
Lloyd Shunje
MUTARE – City of Mutare Town Clerk Joshua Maligwa and Mayor Tatenda Nhamarare will soon meet the Minister of Local Government Public Works and National Housing, Saviour Kasukuwere over squatters who have invaded Chikanga.
Speaking to Tellzim News, Nhamarare said the council was very worried about the 700 families who were living as squatters near the railway line in Chikanga.
“Last week, council resolved that the Town Clerk and I will meet the minister on the issue of squatters who have invaded Chikanga and we have so far booked an appointment for this week with the minister so he can assist us,” said Nhamarare.
The city has also sought an eviction order through the High Court but the matter is set to be heard during the first week of August.
“We have also approached the High Court for an eviction orders and the issue will be heard during the first week of August,” added Nhamarare.
During last week’s full council meeting, some councillors said the council had no resources to evict the squatters.
They said council did not have the land on which to move them to, highlighting that it was only the local government ministry which could help.
Mutare is one of the cities hardest hit by the problem of people who allocate themselves land outside of government parametres thereby putting a strain on resources and posing a danger on public health.local