By Staff Reporter
HARARE – The City of Harare has stepped up its campaign against illegal land occupations, with councillors undertaking a joint inspection of Ingwe Farm where suspected land barons are unlawfully subdividing and selling residential stands.
The fact-finding visit brought together members of the Council’s Education, Housing and Community Services and Licensing Committee, as well as the Works and Town Planning Committee. The delegation was led by Committee Chairpersons Cllr Blessing Muroyiwa and Cllr Prince Mutebuka, with Deputy Mayor Cllr Rosemary Muronda also participating.
During the inspection, councillors observed ongoing illegal activities, including the use of heavy machinery to clear roads while land barons allegedly pegged residential stands for sale to unsuspecting home seekers. The delegation condemned the illegal developments and warned members of the public against purchasing land from unauthorized sellers.
The councillors reaffirmed the City’s commitment to protecting public land and preventing the growth of unplanned settlements that often lack essential infrastructure and services. They emphasized that illegal developments undermine orderly urban planning and place future residents at risk of losing their investments when unlawful structures are removed.
Addressing those gathered during the tour, the councillors said the City would continue taking decisive action against land barons and anyone facilitating illegal land invasions. They also urged prospective home seekers to verify land ownership and allocation through official City of Harare channels before making any payments.
Head of Human Shelter Services, Mr. Edgar Dzehonye, outlined the lawful procedures for acquiring residential stands from the City and cautioned residents against engaging with illegal land dealers. He stressed that genuine land allocations are processed through established Council procedures designed to protect home seekers and ensure planned urban development.
The inspection forms part of the City’s broader strategy to curb illegal settlements and promote sustainable urban growth under Harare’s recently unveiled Master Plan. Council officials said the plan provides a framework for orderly development, ensuring that future residential areas are supported by the necessary infrastructure and public services.
Several councillors from both committees participated in the inspection, demonstrating the City’s united commitment to safeguarding public land and protecting residents from fraudulent land transactions.
