Around 200 houses and properties, including two luxury mansions on the foothills of the National Heroes Acre, have been illegally constructed on land reserved for the Harare Drive expansion project and are now at risk of demolition.
The City of Harare says Harare Drive was originally designed to form a circular route around the city, and its plans remain unchanged.
According to the original 1998 detailed engineering designs, the missing sections of the Harare Drive ring road are intended to connect key areas, including Solomon Mujuru Drive (formerly Kirkman Road) at Warren Hills to Gleneagles Road in Southerton, Houghton Park through Mainway Meadows, Retreat to Seke Road, then to Twentydales Road in Hatfield to Mutare Road in Msasa.
However, widespread encroachment has occurred, especially in the Waterfalls and Retreat suburbs, where more than 100 houses have been built on the Harare Drive road reserve.
In Waterfalls, particularly in Mainway Meadows, a visible divide exists where residents have left a 60-meter-wide corridor free of development in recognition of the future path of Harare Drive.
However, in areas like Retreat, construction continues unchecked, with reports of land barons illegally pegging stands in anticipation of the road’s development.
Minister Oliver Makoni, who leads the Church of Grace Ministries and built a structure in Retreat along the planned path of Harare Drive, denied that they had encroached on land designated for the road. He said:
<blockquote>
We have never been informed by the City Council about any encroachment issues.
We have a site plan, and our papers are in order, all the papers are at Rowan Martin. Why can’t you obtain a GPS report, they have that GPS. It can verify whether we have encroached or not.
It’s nearly 10 years now, but above all the City should know that peoples’ lives are important than a road.
</blockquote>
Harare City Council acting director of urban planning, Samuel Nyabezi, acknowledged the existence of many houses built on Harare Drive, particularly in the Retreat area. He said:
<blockquote>
Yes, there are many houses that have been built on Harare Drive, particularly in Retreat, but at some point, those structures shall be demolished because our plan for Harare Drive road expansion is clear.
</blockquote>
He also told The Herald that two mansions had been built near Harare Drive, close to the National Heroes Acre. 
Nyabezi said the owners of these houses had been informed that there would be no negotiations and the houses would be demolished. He added:
<blockquote>
The city council will never approve a house to be built on land reserved for a road. These people are just getting site plans and going on to build a full house.
At some point, those structures shall be demolished because our plan for Harare Drive road expansion is clear.
</blockquote>
Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, reiterated the city’s commitment to demolishing all illegal structures. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We will demolish all those illegal structures. If you ask me to provide a solution, I will only push for demolition, because surely, you cannot build on land reserved for a road.
It’s perhaps the government that will stop us. You cannot build on land reserved for a road.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court recently ruled that demolishing homes without a court order is unconstitutional, presenting a significant challenge for local authorities.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/200-houses-on-harare-drive-face-demolition/">More: The Herald</a>

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Around 200 houses and properties built on land reserved for expanding Harare Drive may be demolished. The City of Harare originally planned for Harare Drive to be a circular road around the city, connecting key areas. Some houses were built illegally on the road reserve, especially in Waterfalls and Retreat suburbs. The City Council confirmed that these houses will be demolished, including two mansions near the National Heroes Acre. The mayor emphasized that illegal structures will be demolished, despite a recent ruling making it harder to do so without a court order.

200 Houses Built On Land Reserved For Harare Drive Expansion Face Demolition

The government has announced a ban on the demolition of houses built on illegally acquired land without providing a four-month notice period.
This is meant to give affected property owners enough time to rebuild and ensure they have decent shelter for their families.
The announcement comes in response to the Harare City Council’s plan to demolish over 5,000 houses starting this week.
The council has already issued 48-hour eviction notices to residents whose homes are allegedly built without approval on land designated for public amenities.
The properties targeted include those in Mabelreign, Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Mabvuku, and Glen View.
However, in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/no-demolition-without-four-months-notice-govt/">The Herald</a> last Friday, on the sidelines of the Institute of Architects of Zimbabwe meeting in Harare, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe criticized the City of Harare’s approach.
He condemned the demolitions, saying that residents should be given adequate notice before such actions are taken. Said Garwe:
<blockquote>
We are human beings, and every human being has a right to shelter. There is a lot of excitement from the City of Harare in terms of wanting to demolish people’s homes, they are playing to the gallery, condemning public officials and the Government that we are just issuing statements because there was the Extraordinary SADC Summit recently.
Yes, we appreciate that those houses were illegally built, people who were not following the laid down procedures, and people built on land set aside for other activities social amenities, schools and railway lines; we are aware of that as Government.
Give these people adequate notice to vacate those areas so that they can then come and demolish, while these people are properly settled elsewhere.
Give them three or four months’ notice; but they were giving them four days, five days. Who can build a house in four days in Zimbabwe, and then move to where it is built?
</blockquote>
Garwe, however, urged citizens to refrain from purchasing land from land barons, saying such transactions could lead to criminal charges for both buyers and sellers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has made a rule that houses cannot be destroyed without giving a four-month warning. This is so people have enough time to find another place to live. The Harare City Council planned to destroy over 5,000 homes, but the government wants to stop them. The government thinks people should have more time to find a new home before their house is destroyed. Minister Garwe says people should not buy land from the wrong people because it is illegal and they could get in trouble. It is important for people to have a good home to live in.

Government Bans House Demolitions Without Four-Month Notice

Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, revealed that owners of over 100,000 illegally built houses in the capital are not paying rates to the city council.
In response to a prominent user on X (formerly Twitter) commenting on a Sunday Mail story about the City of Harare’s plan to demolish 5,000 illegally constructed houses, Mafume clarified that the number of illegal houses is actually much higher.
He added that these homes were built on land originally designated for schools, clinics, and sorting facilities.
Mafume also disclosed that the Harare City Council had suspended the demolitions due to the elections and the SADC summit. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
These are built on schools, clinics, open spaces &amp; sports grounds. We stopped because of elections and the SADC. Children are forced to move 8 km to school. Clinics are non-existent. Houses are flooding. It has to be corrected…
The irregular settlements number over 100000 houses in and around Harare. 
The illegal houses will soon outnumber the legal rate-paying houses of Harare. The 322000 households we bill foot the bill for everyone!
</blockquote>
ZANU PF land barons have been implicated in the syndicates that has been illegally parcelling out land in the City. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
They do not own the land. They seek no approval from anyone from start to finish. They just build at will and with no due care and regard.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Over 100,000 houses in Harare built illegally. Owners not paying bills. Houses on land meant for schools and clinics. Mayor stopped demolitions for elections and summit. Land barons involved in illegal land deals. Legal houses may soon be outnumbered. 322,000 households paying for everyone. Mayor says it must be fixed.

Over 100,000 Illegal Homes In Harare Aren't Paying Bills - Mafume

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has said the council is working with the government to enforce demolition court orders in an orderly manner, to protect residents who may have fallen victim to land barons.
Last week, the government condemned the destruction of 30 houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere, by the Harare City Council, describing the action as inhumane.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200035158/we-are-protecting-victims-from-land-barons-mayor">NewsDay</a> on Monday, Mafume said that the council has reported land barons who illegally sold land to residents to the police and is now awaiting their arrest. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We are working with government on the court orders. Demolitions should be done in an orderly manner but at the same time we are saying people should be compliant with the country’s laws.
We have people who have built houses where children are supposed to play. If we create a city like that, our children will not be happy.
We have reported the land barons to police and we are waiting for their arrest. Yes, if there are those who get to be regularised, they should be cleared.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that there are 144 applicants slated for regularisation based on recent council resolutions.
One notable project, Tafara Pay Schemes, led by Everson Luni, has adhered to council by-laws for town planning.
This compliance includes the payment of application fees, circulation fees, ZESA charges, surveying fees, and costs associated with the Environmental Management Agency and sewerage services.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Mayor of Harare is working with the government to enforce court orders for demolishing illegal structures in an orderly way. He wants to protect residents from bad people who sold them land illegally. The government was upset about 30 houses being destroyed by the council. The mayor reported the bad people to the police and is waiting for them to be arrested. Some people might be allowed to keep their homes if they follow the laws. A project in Tafara Pay Schemes showed good behavior by following all the rules and paying all the necessary fees.

Harare Mayor Pledges Orderly Enforcement Of Demolition Court Orders

The Information for Development Trust (IDT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in corporate and political governance, has expressed concerns about the central government’s interference in the Harare City Council’s (HCC) efforts to demolish illegal structures. They argue that this interference poses a threat to the rule of law.
The controversy arose after Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced that the government had ordered HCC to halt the demolition of homes built on illegally acquired land.
In a statement, IDT suggested that the central government’s intervention appears to be motivated more by image management than by a commitment to good governance. It added:
<blockquote>
Critics argue this undermines local authority efforts, perpetuates illegal settlements, and fails to hold land barons accountable.
The interference raises questions about the separation of powers, as political considerations override judicial rulings.
The opposition-led HCC faces persistent challenges from the ruling government, weakening public trust and service delivery.
While ensuring humane demolitions is essential, undermining the law risks creating a culture of impunity.
The government must address root causes like poverty, corruption, and housing shortages while respecting judicial independence and local authority autonomy.
Failure to strike this balance threatens governance and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume recently announced that the city council plans to demolish over 5,000 illegal structures, having obtained 37 High Court orders to support the action.
The demolitions are part of an ongoing effort to address illegal constructions that have proliferated across the capital.
However, the decision to halt the demolitions for the time being has raised questions. Speaking at his ministry’s strategic workshop for 2025 in Bulawayo on Thursday, Minister Garwe said that the pause was made to avoid negative publicity as Zimbabwe prepares to host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) extraordinary summit this week.
Garwe also accused the opposition CCC-led Harare City Council of deliberately timing the demolitions to coincide with the summit.
He suggested that the council’s actions were intended to attract unwanted attention, undermining the country’s image on the international stage during such an important event.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is telling Harare not to knock down homes built in wrong places. A group thinks this is bad for rule of law. The government also stopped the demolition to look good for a big meeting. People are worried this is not fair. The city council wants to knock down lots of illegal buildings. They have permission from the courts. Some think the government is stopping them to avoid bad press. People say the government should fix poverty and corruption instead of stopping the law. This could make a bad impact on how the country is run.

"Government Interference In Harare Demolitions Threatens Rule Of Law"

The government has ordered the Harare City Council to stop its controversial house demolition exercise.
This came after a public outcry over the recent demolition of houses in Belvedere, which the City of Harare claims were built on land illegally acquired from land barons.
The council had initially planned to demolish over 5,000 houses in illegal settlements across the city, citing the need to enforce around 37 High Court orders.
The targeted properties, mostly located in high-density suburbs such as Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Glen View, and Mabvuku, were said to be built on land reserved for public amenities.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200035136/govt-stops-harare-demolitions">NewsDay</a>, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe condemned the council’s actions, describing them as “inhumane.” Said Garwe:
<blockquote>
What City Council is doing is inhumane and it is not acceptable. A person takes six months to build a house and you are watching.
Then you want to come and give them a notice of 7 days to come and demolish the house. You give them a notice to relocate, where can they relocate in that short period?
At least they should give them four or five months so that they can build elsewhere.
Yes, Mafume [Harare major Jacob] has a court order, but it does not give him the right to cause people pain and suffering.
From now on, no house will be demolished. We are stopping them from doing so. That’s the government’s position.
</blockquote>
Mafume confirmed the suspension of the demolitions, saying the council would comply with the Local Government Ministry’s order to pause the enforcement of the law for the time being.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government told the Harare City Council to stop destroying houses. People got very upset about houses being demolished in Belvedere. The council planned to destroy over 5,000 illegal houses, but the government said no. The houses were built on land meant for public use. The Minister said it was not fair to kick people out of their homes with only 7 days' notice. Now, the council has to stop demolishing houses for now.

Government Orders Harare City Council To Stop Demolitions

<h2>The City of Harare on Wednesday, November 13, issued a statement on the recent demolition of 30 houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere.</h2>
<h2>The local authority said it has taken action to stop illegal land allocation by land barons in Belvedere, specifically in Ridgeview, where unauthorized developments were taking place. Below is the statement:</h2>
<blockquote>
Belvedere Demolitions: The Facts
The City of Harare is determined to stop land barons from illegally parcelling out land to unsuspecting residents and this criminality has to be stopped. It is important that we protect residents from criminals who falsify documents and sell the land to innocent victims. In the case of the Belvedere demolitions here are the facts below.
i. The land in question is Ridgeview Belvedere described as remainder of Salisbury Township Lands(STL) Plan Number TP2F/2219/3 which was approved in 2002.
ii. This land is legally owned by the City of Harare and is designated for residential purposes. This piece of Council land has fifty-two (52) unserviced residential stands. The valuation of the stands was done and approved by Council in 2021. Before Council could allocate the stands, the land was invaded by individuals led by a company going by the name Brickstone Builders and Contractors Private Limited. At that material time they erected wooden cabins on 15 stands.
iii. The stands do not have the requisite water, sewer, roads and storm water drains which are required before one can settle on land.
iv. In 2022 meetings chaired by His Worship, Mayor of the City of Harare Clr.J. Mafume were held between Council and representatives of Brickstone Builders and Contractors (Pvt) Ltd. During the meetings, Council informed the illegal invaders to follow due process in acquiring Council land.
v. Contrary to the advice given during the meetings, Council noticed that developments had started on the ground in July 2023. The illegal developments paused a health hazard to the neighboring community.
vi. The illegal developments sparked an outrage from the neighboring community.
vii. Council responded to the illegal developments by instituting demolitions during that month. Brickstone Building and Contractors Private Limited took Council to court indicating that the company had been allocated the land by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. They attached the letter from the Ministry signed by a Mr. Madzivire. On inquiry from the Ministry, Council was advised by the Ministry that the letter was fake and Mr. Madzivire distanced himself from authoring that letter. The Chief Director Spatial Planning Mr. Mushamba also distanced the Ministry from the allocation of council land to Brickstone.
viii. The City of Harare issued 48 hour notices to the occupants to stop developments and in response to the notices, Brickstone Building and Contractors Private Limited, using fraudulent documents, approached the Court and were granted an interdict on the basis of the fake documents.
ix. The interdict was granted on condition that the status quo was to remain and that no further developments were to be undertaken by the illegal invaders.
x. The illegal invaders did not take heed of the interdict and proceeded to construct structures on the piece land without approved architectural building plans as well as the attendant mandatory inspections.
xi. In compliance with the relevant terms of the interdict, the City moved in to demolish those structures that were developed after the issuance of the interdict. The structures that were covered by the interdict were left intact.
xii. Thirty (30) illegal structures at various stages of construction were demolished.
xiii. The City of Harare has since approached the Courts for a court order to demolish the 3 that were covered by the interdict.
The City of Harare remains committed to addressing urban challenges and ensuring the well-being of its residents. The demolitions will also dissuade land barons who have remained undeterred and continue selling stands to desperate home seekers.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Harare demolished 30 houses in Belvedere to stop illegal land allocation. The land belongs to the city and was invaded by a company called Brickstone Builders. The company used fake documents to claim the land. The city gave notices to stop development, but the company continued. The city then demolished the illegal structures. The city is committed to protecting residents and stopping land barons from selling land illegally. They are also seeking a court order to demolish the remaining illegal structures.

Harare City Council Clarifies Position On Belvedere House Demolitions | Full Statement

The government has distanced itself from the recent demolitions of houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere, and has ordered the Harare City Council to cease further destruction.
Last week, the City of Harare demolished nearly 20 houses in Ridgeview, claiming they were built on land illegally acquired from land barons.
The council also announced that the demolition blitz would soon extend to other areas in the capital where similar illegal structures were identified.
However, in an interview with ZBC News on Tuesday, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe said that the government was not involved in the demolitions.
He said the council had acted without consulting the parent ministry and had proceeded with the demolitions independently.
The minister also issued a directive for the council to halt any further demolitions until proper consultations were held. He said:
<blockquote>
We condemn that action, and yesterday we directed the mayor and town clerk to stop the demolitions. We distance ourselves from, and the central government distances itself from such behaviour. We have nothing to do with that.
</blockquote>
However, Garwe said that while citizens have a fundamental right to housing, this right mustn’t be exploited through the establishment of illegal settlements. He said:
<blockquote>
The new dispensation values all citizens and respects the constitution, which says housing is a fundamental right.
People have the right to housing, but that said, we must not take the law into our own hands and say, I can build a house wherever I want.
The law will still visit you. We do not want to take advantage of certain developments, and people must not start building recklessly.
</blockquote>
The demolitions have ignited a heated debate among residents. Some blame illegal settlers for purchasing land from land barons, arguing that they should have known better.
Others, however, point to Harare’s severe housing shortages as a significant factor driving the increase in illegal construction.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government did not want houses in Harare to be destroyed. The City of Harare knocked down houses last week because they were built on land that was not allowed. The government said they did not know about this and told the council to stop destroying more houses. The government believes everyone has the right to a home, but they should not break the law to build one. Some people blame those who bought land in the wrong way, but others say there are not enough houses in Harare, so people build illegally.

Government Distances Itself From Harare House Demolitions

Harare Metropolitan Province has launched a 45-day operation to demolish illegal structures on wetlands in and around the capital.
The campaign, which coincided with the onset of the rainy season, is expected to run until December 15.
The operation code-named “Operation Zero Tolerance to Environmental Crimes” will be conducted in Harare, Chitungwiza, Ruwa, and Epworth with the assistance of the police.
Each local authority will be expected to provide both material and human resources for the operation.
Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Tafadzwa Muguti, said:
<blockquote>
We are aware that our councils are actively involved in parcelling out land in wetlands.
All housing developments in wetlands shall be stopped, with all cases of purchase or award of such land being reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
</blockquote>
Muguti said institutions, shop owners, companies, vendors, public transporters, actual passengers, and the general citizenry who violate statutory requirements will be targeted.
Meanwhile, Chitungwiza acting town clerk, Evangelista Machona, said the blitz will be focusing on four environmental issues. She said in a notice:
<blockquote>
The operation is a response to concerns raised by the Presidium over increased environmental crimes in Harare province.
The operation is specifically focusing on four environmental issues; solid waste management, invasion of wetlands, illegal sand abstraction and illegal brick-moulding and emissions.
</blockquote>
Machona said Chitungwiza Municipality had been asked to provide 80 municipal police officers, 10 tipper trucks, three front-end loaders, five compactors and fuel for the exercise. | <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/structures-on-wetlands-to-be-demolished/">H-Metro</a>

Structures On Wetlands In Harare Province To Be Demolished

Chitungwiza Town Council on Friday destroyed illegal structures in the Chidochevanhu Beerhall compound in Unit N, Seke.
Grocery tuck shops, hair salons, and hardware shops, among others, had been erected within the compound.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003174/chitown-demolishes-illegal-structures">NewsDay</a>, George Madongwe, a former council employee who leases Chidochevanhu beerhall, said the demolitions were unjustified. He said:
<blockquote>
Council’s actions were not justified and are a gross violation of human rights. No reasons were given for demolitions as there was no official communication from the council. Valuables worth US$50 000 have been lost.
The council was collecting revenue from these structures as late as November 3, 2022, and there are receipts to support that.
Can the council collect revenue from an illegal structure? There were also engagements with the council regarding the structures.
</blockquote>
Chitungwiza Residents Trust director Alice Kuveya also criticised Chitungwiza Municipality for destroying the structures without notice.
However, acting town clerk Evangelista Machona insisted that the structures were illegal. She said:
<blockquote>
Those were illegal structures because council leases do not allow the adjustment of infrastructure without the council’s approval. But this is what was done.
</blockquote>
Madongwe claimed that the necessary procedures were followed before the structures were erected. He said:
<blockquote>
I constructed the structures after notifying the council. I wanted to raise money to pay their exorbitant bills that I couldn’t pay from selling beer alone.
At the same time, I wanted to increase their revenue base as they would collect licence revenues from the shops.
I have enough evidence to debunk the council narrative that I did anything illegal.
I have requests for bill adjustments, payment plans, payments made and proposals for change of use.
I am a former council employee with special circumstances compared to ordinary leaseholders.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts (ZNOART) Chitungwiza chairperson Obert Matsika said the local authority should have acted in 2019 when the structures were built.
The municipality also demolished other illegal structures at Chigovanyika Shopping Centre in St Mary’s.

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