Strange Demolitions and Evictions Invite Parliament Scrutiny

By Daniel Chigundu

ZANU PF Chief Whip in the National Assembly Pupurai Togarepi has called for a Parliamentary investigation into multiple evictions and demolitions facing citizens.

Togarepi says some of the people would have stayed on the land or stands for more than 20 years uninterrupted.

However, they are then told it belongs to someone or the land is intended for a different purpose.

“I met a lot of people who were allocated stands, built their homes and they have been staying there for 20 years.

“In those cities, they are receiving eviction letters despite paying rates.

“Some letters are talking of eviction because the place does not belong to the affected citizens.

“The houses that they are staying in have been approved by council.

“Many people are losing their money.

Togarepi said some victims retired and have invested all their pension money in building those houses.

“Now they are being told that the land does not belong to them, but the council would have allowed them to build their homes.

This situation, Togarepi says necessitates an investigation by Parliament.

Parliamentary Investigation

“I am pleading with you Mr. Speaker Sir, that our Portfolio Committee on Local Government or the Minister of Local Government should investigate.

“They should thoroughly investigate after a ruling from this Parliament.

“Most cooperative members were paying a lot of money to the councils, but now these innocent house owners are being labelled as illegal settlers after 20 years of settling in that place,’’ he said.

“They now have children who also have children in those places.

“So, I think an investigation must be done on the allocation of stands and building of houses in our local councils.

“The Government or the Minister of Local Government or our Portfolio Committee should do a site visit on the cooperatives.

The investigation will check and investigate why people are being evicted after 20 years according to Togarepi.

“Such corrupt practices within our councils should come to an end,’’ he said.

Acting Speaker of the National Assembly Joseph Tshuma concured with Togarepi.

He added that the issue is serious and will require a Ministerial Statement.

“The matter that you have raised is of deep and high concern.

“Therefore, I think it is pertinent that the Minister of Local Government makes a Ministerial Statement on that issue.

Tshuma said the statement should explain how people are consistently finding themselves in such situations.

Burning Cases

Recently St Martins residents along Airport Road were issued eviction letters by Harare Council.

This is despite the same authority allegedly having sold them the stands in 2016.

Some Belvedere residents in Ridgeview also had their houses demolished earlier in the year.

The scandal followed an almost similar pattern with Harare Council alleging that their papers were forged.