The City of Harare has moved to calm public fears following the circulation of a leaked internal memo that appeared to signal a crackdown on illegal structures across the capital. The memo, which went viral on social media, raised concern among residents who feared immediate demolitions of homes and other buildings.
In response, the City Council released an official statement clarifying that the memo was only an internal draft and not an official policy or directive. Council spokesperson Innocent Ruwende explained that the document was intended for internal administrative use to guide the city’s future planning and enforcement strategies.
“The premature release of the memo was unintended,” Ruwende said. “It was not meant to alarm the public, but rather to assist in developing lawful and regulated procedures for dealing with illegal structures.”
Acting Town Clerk, Engineer Mabhena Moyo, also addressed the issue, reassuring residents that no demolitions or enforcement actions would take place without following proper legal procedures. He said the city would begin by verifying the status of developments on Council, State, and private land within Harare.
“Any action we take will be guided by the law,” Moyo said. “We will ensure full compliance with national policies, including the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act.”
Harare has faced ongoing challenges with illegal land sales, often involving land barons and politically connected individuals who sell undesignated or state land to unsuspecting home seekers. In light of this, city officials are urging residents to avoid illegal land deals and consult the City Council for accurate land information.
