The Sunday Mail
Illegal settlements such as this one near Cold Comfort suburb in Harare will be demolished
Urban councils should engage the private sector to build low-cost houses for home-seekers, experts have said.
Urban planning guru Dr Sasha Jogi said: “There are delays in clearing housing waiting lists and this is mainly due to lack of resources such as finances and personnel at local authorities.
“There is, therefore, need to rope in private players such as those in the banking sector and non-governmental organisations since they have the resources. This will go a long way in ridding cities of illegal structures which are mushrooming everywhere.
“In addition, council by-laws and Acts have been enacted to facilitate procedures and protocols that guarantee certainty to residents. If these legal requirements are followed, then there would be no reason for houses or settlements to be demolitioned.”
University of Zimbabwe Urban and Rural Planning lecturer Mr Nyasha Mutsindikwa added: “Council cannot be blamed for enforcing the law. However, city authorities should not turn a blind eye to illegality and take too long to act.
“The matter should be dealt with methodically as the types of houses being built are not a problem; the problem is their location.”
