Tafadzwa Nyikadzino

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has called for enforcement of planning and environmental laws to be carried out with due regard to human dignity, warning that ongoing demolitions of housing structures in Harare and other urban centres are causing profound distress to families.

In a statement issued today in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate under Section 243, the Commission said it has taken note of the demolitions while recognising the importance of orderly urban development.

“The Commission recognises the importance of orderly urban development and the need for human settlements to conform to approved planning frameworks, municipal by-laws, national development policies and applicable environmental standards,” ZHRC said.

It acknowledged the responsibility of Government and local authorities to safeguard public spaces, including wetlands, against unlawful occupation.

But the Commission warned that demolitions extend beyond physical removal of structures.

“Behind every affected household are individuals and families whose aspirations for secure shelter and a dignified existence may have been compromised. The loss of a home can occasion profound emotional distress, financial hardship and social dislocation, with particularly difficult consequences for children, older persons and other vulnerable members of society,” it said.

ZHRC said enforcement, while firm and consistent, must observe all legal and administrative processes and make every reasonable effort to mitigate hardship, including exploring practicable alternatives where possible.

The Commission said the recurring phenomenon of unlawful settlements must be addressed beyond enforcement, pointing to structural drivers – population growth, urbanisation, and failure of housing supply to meet demand – which leaves low-income households vulnerable to land barons.

“This creates fertile ground for land barons and other unscrupulous actors to exploit the legitimate aspirations of ordinary Zimbabweans by selling or allocating land in undesignated spaces… In many instances, families invest their hard-earned resources, sometimes their entire life savings, in the expectation of securing a permanent home, only to find themselves exposed to the prospect of displacement,” ZHRC said.

In its recommendations, the Commission urged:

1. Government to strengthen national housing delivery strategies with measurable targets, expand affordable lawfully allocated land, and coordinate with local authorities.

2. Local authorities to proactively plan, accelerate development of designated residential land, reduce housing waiting lists transparently, strengthen development control to prevent unlawful settlements, and provide reliable information on approved schemes.

3. Law enforcement to intensify investigations into fraudulent land sales, unlawful allocations and corruption, ensuring those profiting from desperation are held accountable.

4. Humane enforcement where displacement is unavoidable, with consideration for vulnerable households.

5. Prospective homeowners to exercise due diligence, verify legitimacy of allocations with local authorities, and avoid informal transactions.

“The Commission reiterates that the pursuit of orderly human settlements, environmental sustainability and the protection of human rights are not mutually exclusive objectives,” ZHRC said, adding that citizens must have realistic opportunities to secure housing through lawful channels.