The demolition of houses in Belvedere, Harare, by the opposition-led Harare City Council (HCC) has ignited nationwide outrage. Hundreds of families have been left homeless during the rainy season, prompting sharp criticism from various quarters. The council justified the demolitions by citing unapproved construction on the land, but critics, including the Government, have condemned the act as “cruel and inhumane” due to its human rights implications, particularly for women and children.
Demolitions Amid Policy Contradictions
The timing of these demolitions has been questioned, as they clash with the Government’s Presidential Title Deeds and Housing Regularization Programme, launched in 2023 to legalize informal settlements. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi revealed in Parliament that the demolitions were conducted without a court order, deeming them illegal and selective, as properties linked to powerful individuals were spared.
Government’s Intervention
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe swiftly intervened, halting the demolitions and reaffirming the Government’s commitment to citizen welfare through housing regularization initiatives. This move reflects the Second Republic’s focus on reducing the national housing deficit through various projects, including affordable housing schemes.
Opposition Leadership Under Fire
The demolitions have also highlighted governance flaws in the opposition-led council, with many questioning why these homes were allowed to be built in the first place and why the demolitions occurred during the rainy season. Mayor Jacob Mafume defended the demolitions as legal but faced backlash for failing to address the selective and arbitrary nature of the action.
Political Implications
The CCC-led council’s actions have raised concerns about its priorities, with critics accusing the opposition of undermining efforts to resolve the housing crisis. The demolitions have led to calls for the electorate to reconsider its support for the opposition in future elections.
Key Takeaway
The Belvedere demolitions underscore the challenges of urban governance in Harare, where political and administrative lapses often come at the expense of ordinary citizens. The Government’s decisive response has showcased its focus on people-centered policies, contrasting sharply with the CCC’s actions.
