Harare City Council (HCC) is set to demolish illegal houses that were built on council farms in Crowborough following a court order to take action.

Since 2012, several housing cooperatives illegally took occupation of council land and allocated stands to their members.

In an interview, the city works director Engineer Zvenyika Chawatama said all the people occupying council farms will be evicted.

“We have got issues on council farms, particularly the ones used for the treatment of sewage,” he said.

“These farms were invaded, but they are not designed for residential purposes and their occupation is in violation of the Urban Councils Act.”

It is alleged people occupying the farms in that area are vandalising council property on the land by blocking sewer pipes, destroying sewer holding ponds and building on top of major sewer and water pipes.

Eng Chawatama said although council would regularise some structures, they will not compromise on any structures that are directly affecting service provision.State media