Zim Now Writer
The ruling Zanu PF party has condemned the continued growth of illegal settlements across the country, adding that “land barons” who often claim party affiliation, were largely responsible for the vice, which targeted desperate members of the public.
Zanu PF acting secretary-general, Patrick Chinamasa, expressed deep concern about the “mushrooming and proliferation” of unauthorised occupations on communal, local authority, and State land, particularly around major towns, cities, and growth points.
This comes on the back of disasters resulting directly from illegal settlements, including the destruction of illegal houses in Budiriro and Kuwadzana by floods following the incessant rains.
Related Stories
“Zanu PF condemns without reservation the illegal settlements, occupations, parcelling out and sale, or without the permission of the relevant authority,” read the statement.
“Zanu PF’s policy is for planned urban settlements and this can only be done by relevant Local and Central Government Authorities. Zanu PF has never granted authority to any of its general membership including persons who hold leadership positions at any level in the structures of the Party to participate in illegal occupations and land distributions whether as Buyers or Land Barons.”
Chinamasa urged law enforcement agencies to implement the rule of law without fear or favour in order to bring perpetrators to book.
“Unplanned settlements are a recipe for future disaster and a Town Planner’s nightmare as they come without the necessary infrastructure such as water, sewerage, roads and electricity and invariably without land set aside for social amenities such as schools, hospitals, clinics, sporting facilities and business centres,” Chinamasa said.
He added that the cost taking corrective measures over illegally settled land is very high in terms of resources.
Leave Comments