Harare Sitting on 5,000 House Demolition Orders, Says Minister Garwe

HARARE – Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe says the City of Harare is sitting on approximately 5,000 house demolition orders as the Government explores ways to regularise some illegal settlements.

Speaking at the Land Tenure High-Level Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting, Garwe said the rapid growth of illegal settlements in Harare had become a major concern, warning that unplanned developments posed serious environmental and public health risks. He urged prospective home seekers to avoid purchasing land from illegal dealers, commonly referred to as masabhuku and land barons, and warned against construction on wetlands.

“Let us not encourage people to build on wetlands, buy from Masabhuku or land barons,” Garwe said.

“Let me emphasise that Government does not demolish houses and we cannot interfere with court processes.

“Currently, the City of Harare is sitting on 5,000 demolition orders and in some cases we have tried to delay the process and provide solutions.”

The minister's remarks come amid continuing concerns over the proliferation of informal and unplanned settlements around the capital, where thousands of residents have built homes without approved layouts or proper infrastructure.

Government Looks at Regularisation Options

Garwe indicated that authorities were considering solutions for some affected settlements, although court-issued demolition orders remain subject to legal processes. The Government has increasingly faced pressure to address the growing housing demand in Harare while also protecting wetlands and enforcing urban planning regulations. Illegal settlements have often emerged as prospective homeowners seek affordable residential land, creating opportunities for land barons and other unauthorised land dealers.

Rural Development Seen as Part of the Solution

Garwe said Zimbabwe's rapid urbanisation could partly be addressed by creating stronger economic opportunities in rural areas and growth points. He said secure and bankable land tenure was critical to unlocking investment and stimulating economic activity outside major urban centres.

According to Garwe, substantial economic activity is already taking place in rural communities and growth points, but uncertainty surrounding land tenure is limiting further investment and expansion. Strengthening land tenure systems could help attract capital, support businesses and create employment opportunities closer to where people live, potentially easing migration pressure on Harare and other major cities.

The minister said addressing the country's housing and land challenges required a broader approach that combined proper urban planning, secure land tenure and increased economic development beyond major cities.

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