A recent demolition drive by the Kariba Municipality has ignited fierce backlash, with residents accusing authorities of political victimization and unlawful action by destroying their shelter Last Tuesday, municipal workers armed with heavy machinery razed temporary structures in Kasese without court orders or prior notice, leaving tens of families homeless and belongings destroyed The targeted land was legally allocated in 2013, with many beneficiaries having paid for their stands and erected temporary shelters while awaiting formal development approval Despite this, the council proceeded with demolitions, citing violations of a resolution barring construction before infrastructure installation
Residents allege the operation disproportionately targeted perceived ruling Zanu PF supporters “We were not given time to remove our belongings,” said one affected resident, whose cabin was demolished “We were simply labelled Zanu PF and punished.”
Another victim, Gracious Shonhai, had no kind words for the municipality “These people are wicked,” Shonhai said
“We are legitimate owners—we bought these stands over a decade ago “Some of our children were in primary school then; now they’re in university, yet nothing has been developed here.”
The Kariba Residents and Ratepayers Association (Kiarra) and Kariba Urban Residents Association (Kura) slammed the demolitions as inhumane and unlawful “This violates the right to shelter and due process,” said Kiarra chairperson Jane Jabulani “The council acted without consultation, reflecting a disturbing disregard for inclusive governance.”
Kasese Residents Association leader Jacob Magombedze echoed similar sentiments
Source: The Standard Zimbabwe
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Source: Thestandard
