No Approved Plan, No Mercy – Harare Mayor Warns After St Martins Demolitions

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has urged residents with approved building plans to produce the documents when council enforcement teams conduct inspections, following the recent demolitions in St Martins.

The council has been demolishing structures in the St Martins area near 1 Commando Barracks as part of an ongoing crackdown on unauthorised land allocations and construction.

The demolitions have affected both temporary and permanent structures allegedly built without council approval or on land not designated for residential development.

Speaking to NewsDay last week, Mafume said it was disheartening to see demolitions taking place but urged residents to comply with council requirements.

“Those who have approved building plans need to produce them when enforcement is being done. It is very clear; this is how the law is followed,” Mafume said.

Mafume declined to comment on the legality of the specific St Martins structures but said council had repeatedly warned residents to ensure they had the necessary documentation before constructing homes.

“Failure to produce building plans will cause the law to be applied,” he said.

“I have been at the forefront, time and time again, through various platforms, including the media, addressing such matters. Have approved plans and come forward with them.”

He said prospective homeowners should approach the council’s housing department or relevant district offices to establish whether stands are legally allocated and properly approved.

Council authorities have accused unauthorised developers and land syndicates of selling unserviced land without the required approvals, leaving unsuspecting home seekers at risk of losing their investments.

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