Zimbabwe housing minister defends demolitions and warns land barons

Zimbabwe's Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Professor Paul Mavima, has defended the demolition of illegally built houses, describing the measure as a last resort to curb unplanned settlements and protect land reserved for essential public services.

In an interview with 263Chat, Mavima said residential developments must be properly planned and approved by the relevant local authorities before construction begins, and that many illegal settlements lacked basic infrastructure including water supplies, sewer systems, roads and electricity, making it difficult for government to provide services.

"Where you see government coming in to do those demolitions, it is a last resort for government, because we can't have settlements that are irregular," he said. He warned that land reserved for schools, clinics, recreational parks and roads should not be occupied by residential developments.

The minister also issued a warning to land barons accused of illegally subdividing and selling land, saying those found responsible would face prosecution. He said several suspected land barons had previously been arrested and that authorities would act against anyone implicated in unlawful developments.

"As we go out to regularise these settlements, each and every one of those that we find to have illegal parceled-out land is going to face the wrath of the law," Mavima said.

He urged prospective homebuyers to carry out due diligence before purchasing residential stands and to verify with local authorities that the land had the necessary planning permissions and development approvals. Mavima said government had introduced a human settlements policy to guide developers and those allocating land for residential purposes, intended to promote orderly urban development and reduce future demolitions, and said orderly human settlements form part of the country's Vision 2030 ambitions.