Zimbabwe’s Urban Overhaul: Addressing Illegal Settlements and Environmental Degradation in Harare BODY: Harare, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to combat the rapid expansion of illegal settlements around the capital, Harare, amid a pressing water and sanitation crisis.
The initiative, which includes consultations with various stakeholders, aims to develop long — term solutions to one of the nation’s most pressing urban challenges.
An estimated 390,000 households reside in these settlements, many outside the city’s formal planning framework and without access to basic services such as clean water and sanitation. Development strategist Ambassador of Hope Josiah Dimbo has highlighted the deteriorating environmental conditions and public health risks in these communities, noting the rapid population growth outpacing infrastructure development. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume described the situation as a significant service delivery challenge, with many residents lacking access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, which increases the risk of disease outbreaks.
The City Council is intensifying efforts to address illegal settlements linked to land barons and politically connected individuals, which have strained service delivery and reduced council revenue. Stakeholders have visited several of Harare’s fastest-growing settlements, revealing densely populated neighborhoods with limited infrastructure and poor sanitation. Ward councillor Simon Manzanga emphasized the need for closer coordination between central government and local authorities to resolve these challenges effectively.
Parliament is expected to examine legislative and administrative measures aimed at improving urban planning, curbing illegal land allocations, and expanding access to essential services.
The ultimate objective is to regularize the settlements and provide necessary infrastructure while ensuring the rights and needs of the affected communities are addressed.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Panafricanvisions
Source: Pan African Visions
