By Andrew Muvishi
A dispute between the Marondera Municipality and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has boiled over, leaving dozens of small traders stranded after the demolition of makeshift cabins erected along the railway line.
The cabins, which had become a lifeline for informal traders, were torn down by the municipality last week, sparking outrage among residents and accusations of policy inconsistency.
Residents’ Outcry
Marondera Residents’ Association Forum Director Mr Tapiwa Chengeta condemned the demolitions, saying they targeted vulnerable people struggling to survive.
“It’s very unfortunate to see demolition on people who are trying to make ends meet.
“The council saw these people build structures and operate for some time, only to wake up and demolish them.
“We expected council to first create space for small to medium enterprises before removing these ones,” Chengeta said.
Many of the affected traders had invested between US$200-US$400 in rental payments and cabin construction.
For them, the demolitions represent not just the loss of shelter but the collapse of livelihoods.
“We were trying to make ends meet, and the council was collecting rates and licensing us.
“Now they say we were illegal,” lamented one trader.
Council’s Position
Marondera Municipality spokesperson Mr Kudakwashe Tapfumanei defended the demolitions, insisting traders had been warned.
“These traders were given notice as they operated illegally, but they chose to ignore it.
“We were left with no option but to demolish the makeshifts,” he said.
Background
According to NRZ, only 10 official tenants with leases were recognized along the railway reserve.
The parastatal maintains that the rest were authorized by the municipality, creating chaos and encroachment into railway land.
Council versus NRZThe municipality, however, points the finger back at NRZ, accusing it of allocating spaces to traders without municipal approval.
Council minutes reveal that the municipality had previously written to NRZ and the Ministry of Local Government, warning against allocations along the railway servitude.
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