Government Orders Removal of Illegal Settlers at Sadza
More than 200 people have illegally occupied residential stands at Sadza Growth Point that were earmarked for just 39 beneficiaries, prompting the Government to order their removal. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who visited Chikomba District on Friday, said the Government would not regularise the illegal occupation as authorities step up efforts to bring land administration under control.
Garwe said the affected people had occupied the stands outside the approved allocation process and would have to vacate the land. Only 39 beneficiaries were originally supposed to receive the residential stands, but the number of occupants has since risen to more than 200.
The dispute has also renewed concerns over informal land allocations, commonly referred to as “Sabhuku deals”, in which land is allegedly allocated outside established council and Government procedures.
Garwe warned traditional leaders against participating in such arrangements, saying those found involved in illegal land allocations could lose their positions. He said the Government had the authority to replace village heads who acted outside the law and reminded traditional leaders that their powers must be exercised within the Constitution and other relevant legislation.
Wetlands, Grazing Areas Under Threat
The Sadza dispute is part of a wider challenge facing authorities as illegal settlements spread into areas not designated for residential development. Traditional leaders told Garwe that wetlands and grazing areas were also under pressure from illegal occupation. Chief Neshangwe said people should not be allowed to establish homes in wetlands or grazing areas, while emphasising the need for traditional leaders and councils to work together to prevent unplanned settlements.
Several village heads supported the Government's position. Sabhuku Makuvaza called for people involved in illegal land transactions to face arrest, while Sabhuku Munondo backed the removal of people who had occupied land unlawfully.
Gilstone Model for Illegal Settlement Crackdown
Garwe cited Gilstone as an example of the Government's approach to illegal settlements. More than 5 000 illegal settlers were removed from the area, paving the way for planned development. The minister said Sadza and other growth points should similarly pursue orderly development rather than allowing settlements to expand without the necessary approvals.
He also directed councils to tackle informal trading by establishing designated vending areas.
The directive forms part of a broader Government effort to restore order in residential and commercial spaces and ensure that land is allocated and developed through approved planning processes.
More than 200 people occupying residential stands illegally at Sadza Growth Point face removal after the Government rejected plans to regularise the settlement.
Sadza illegal settlers
Comments