By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Zimbabwean government has officially distanced itself from the recent demolition of nearly 20 homes in the Ridgeview area of Belvedere, asserting that it had issued clear instructions to the Harare City Council to halt such actions. This statement follows significant uproar over the demolitions, which were executed by the council amid claims that the land was unlawfully acquired from land barons.
In an interview with state media on Tuesday, Local Government and public works Minister Daniel Garwe firmly rejected any allegations of government involvement in the demolitions, explicitly blaming the Harare City Council for the subsequent destruction of homes.
“We strongly condemn those actions, Yesterday, we directed both the mayor and the town clerk to immediately stop the demolitions. The central government distances itself completely from this kind of behavior,” he stated.
Garwe sought to clarify the government’s position on housing rights, emphasizing that while it recognizes and upholds the constitutional right to housing, individuals must abide by existing laws.
“The new dispensation values all citizens and upholds the constitution, which guarantees housing as a fundamental right however, people cannot simply take matters into their own hands and build homes wherever they choose. If you break the law, there will be consequences,” he added.
The Minister further reiterated the need for lawful developments and urged citizens to adhere to regulations regarding housing projects.
“We must avoid reckless developments, It’s imperative that citizens understand their rights but also their responsibilities under the law,” he said.
The situation in Ridgeview has generated considerable debate and criticism, with community members expressing frustration over the demolitions and the underlying issues of illegal land acquisition.