By A Correspondent| Budiriro residents whose houses were demolished by the Harare City Council earlier this month have been promised tents by government which has also urged them to take the culpable land baron to court.
Provincial Development Coordinator for Harare Metropolitan Province Tafadzwa Muguti said government would only provide temporary accommodation otherwise the people had to devise their own ways.
“Tents will be provided to those affected by the rain.
“However it’s a temporary move as they should look for alternative accommodation whilst this housing cooperative should refund fully all their money.
“If they don’t, civil action should commence”, he said.
190 houses were demolished in the area rendering the families homeless whilst also sparking fears about their safety during this rain season.
Let’s Fight Land Barons Not Each Other
Muguti added that it was reckless for various involved parties to blame each other for the demolitions as the main elephant in the room remains the land barons.
“Let’s stop this mud-slinging and address the elephant in the room, the land barons who use political leverage and corrupt Councilors.
“It’s time to stand up and do right by our children”, he added.
A land baron Caleb Kadye has since been arrested after he was accused of selling the illegal stands to the desperate home-seekers.
Kadye’s Reign of Terror
Kadye was previously accused of abusing cooperative funds using them to fund ZANU PF youths during his ill-fated political campaigns.
During the election run off in June 2008 he was infamous in Budiriro 4 for his terror attacks on civilians in the area.
Members of the Tembwe Housing Cooperative often complained of how during cooperative meetings anyone who asked of how funds were utilised was victimised by his funded youths
According to officials the area which Kadye sold as stands was officially designated as a school area.
The residents paid US$2500 for the stands between 2017 and 2018.
The Harare City Council went to court against the cooperative in March 2017 and judgement was only passed in February 2019 after which the illegal settlers were given notice to vacate the area.
The residents did not heed the notice and warnings remaining on the land until the eviction order was implemented earlier this month.