Beitbridge Council Orders Residents To Demolish Homes Built Near Water Supply

Residents in Beitbridge who were allocated stands under the Alpha International Land Developers’ project near the town’s water supply dams have been served with orders to demolish structures built on unauthorised land.

The demolition orders were signed by Beitbridge’s director of engineering, Douglas Siphuma, in an effort to restore the land to its original state.

Beitbridge town clerk, Loud Ramakgapola, confirmed the orders in an interview with Southern Eye, saying it is illegal for people to construct houses without approval from the local authority. Said Ramakgapola:

“The law allows for demolition after following due process. Council will look at it on a case-by-case basis and map a way forward.”

Ramakgapola said the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) had written to the council regarding the illegal structures. He added:

“The developer is responsible. We wrote a prohibition order; we cannot punish residents in that manner, we will do individual assessment.”

The municipality plans to engage the developer and agree on the next steps.

Related:

Harare City Council Demolition Blitz Targets Over 5,000 Homes Bulldozers Roll Into St Martins As City Of Harare Demolishes Illegal Structures