The City of Harare has intensified its crackdown on illegal settlements, demolishing dozens of houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere today.

This action is part of a broader effort to address the proliferation of unauthorized structures across the city.

The affected houses were built using fraudulent documents, with some illegal settlers claiming state allocation of the land. Despite previous demolitions last year, the occupiers, encouraged by land barons who sold them the land, defied the City of Harare and rebuilt the structures.

The city had issued prior warnings to the illegal settlers to vacate the area before proceeding with the demolitions.

Acting Director of Planning, Mr. Samuel Nyabeza, emphasized the city’s commitment to restoring order. “We have to restore order in the city and we will not tolerate a situation where people just build houses without approvals and permission from council.

A settlement has to be planned with all amenities in place before people start building,” he stated.

Mr. Nyabeza also warned land barons that they would face arrest without fear or favor. “You cannot build a house without council-approved plans; you cannot build where there are no sewer and water facilities.

We urge residents to check with the City of Harare before buying land. Even when building a structure, every stage should have council approvals,” he added.