HARARE, Aug. 15 (NewsDay Live) — Harare mayor Jacob Mafume has broken his silence on the demolitions in St Martins, urging residents with approved building plans to produce the documents when council enforcement teams conduct inspections.
Speaking exclusively to NewsDay yesterday, Mafume said it was disheartening to see demolitions taking place but urged residents to comply with council requirements.
“Those who have approved building plans need to produce them when enforcement is being done. It is very clear; this is how the law is followed,” Mafume said.
Mafume declined to comment on the legality of the specific St Martins structures but said council had repeatedly warned residents to ensure they had the necessary documentation before constructing homes.
“Failure to produce building plans will cause the law to be applied,” he said.
“I have been at the forefront, time and time again, through various platforms, including the media, addressing such matters. Have approved plans and come forward with them.”
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The City of Harare has blamed the proliferation of illegal settlements on unauthorised land sales by land barons and syndicates.
Council has urged home seekers to verify the status of land and stands directly with the municipality before buying property or beginning construction.
Mafume said prospective homeowners should approach the council’s housing department or relevant district offices to establish whether stands are legally allocated and properly approved.
The council has been demolishing structures in the St Martins area near 1 Commando Barracks as part of an ongoing crackdown on unauthorised land allocations and construction.
The demolitions have affected temporary and permanent structures allegedly built without council approval or on land not designated for residential development.
Council authorities have accused unauthorised developers and land syndicates of selling unserviced land without the required approvals, leaving unsuspecting home seekers at risk of losing their investments.