By Correspondent
The incessant abuse of the regularisation law has been cited as the chief problem in the rise of land barons in the country.
Speaking to this publication Combined Harare Residents Chairman (CHRA) Reuben Akili said the regulation has become a gateway to loot for many.
Akili said the law had found new use in the aftermath of Government’s failure to build houses.
“One of the major problems we have is the parallel development policy issued in the late 90s when Govt realise they were incapacitated to build houses.
“Most of the cooperatives were politically connected.
He said under the new program people suddenly had freedom to build with minimum supervision.
“Under parallel development people could build without approvals thus leading to informal settlements.
“So regularisation has been used as an excuse probably to legitimise informal settlements.
Politicisation of Land
The activist cited the continued appearance of informal settlements before every election as evidence.
“Each and every election land invasions have been happening but again they will look for regularisation after.
“That has been our major challenge as regularisation has been abused by politicians and officials in Councils.
Akili added that officials will also benefit from those stands bringing a new angle of corruption.
Council Officials As Land Barons
“Thus the Council Chairpersons have themselves become land barons.
“For example when Kugarika Kushinga, a Mabvuku based cooperative began, it had less tha 400 member.
“As we speak it has over 700.
“But because they were over-subscribing it became a business and they kept applying for land.
The scourge of land barons has become topical again following the demolitions in Ridgeview early this month.
Harare City demolished over 40 houses arguing that they were illegal.
It has since revealed that over 5000 more illegal houses in the capital will be demolished.
The program has raised much consternation among residents who argue that Council is to blame.
Finger Pointing
Meanwhile, Council has absolved itself of any blame, instead laying the fault on residents.
Harare Council Director of Planning Samuel Nyabeze says the demolition program will continue.
He says they will intensify demolitions and warned land barons that they will be arrested.
“We have to restore order in the city and we will not tolerate a situation where people just build houses without approvals and permission from council.
“A settlement has to be planned with all amenities in place before people start building.
“You cannot build a house without council-approved plans; you cannot build where there are no sewer and water facilities.
Nyabeze urged residents to check with Council before buying land.
“Even when building a structure, every stage should have council approvals,” he said.
