HARARE DEMOLITION TERROR: THOUSANDS OF HOMES TO BE RAZED IN MASSIVE CITY-WIDE HARARE, Zimbabwe - In a devastating blow that has sent shockwaves across the capital, the City of Harare has unleashed plans to demolish thousands of homes and structures built without approval - including entire neighbourhoods sitting on wetlands, sewer lines, school sites, and vital public land.
A explosive City of Harare report now circulating widely on social media has listed a staggering 168 areas earmarked for destruction, including Greendale, Belvedere, Budiriro, Tynwald, Kuwadzana, Mabvuku, and many more.
The ruthless operation targets anything constructed on road reserves, water infrastructure, or land reserved for social amenities.
City spokesperson Stanley Gama delivered the chilling warning, declaring that all illegal structures will be flattened without mercy.“All structures without council approvals and built on areas earmarked for social amenities or built on top of our water and sewer infrastructure will be demolished,” Gama said.
He insisted the council had issued more than enough warnings, far beyond legal requirements and accused illegal settlers of sabotaging city services.
“When sewer systems start blocking because of illegal settlements, residents accuse the council of not doing its job. The City of Harare has to protect those who are legally settled and are paying their bills,” Gama added.
The announcement has triggered widespread fear and outrage among thousands of families who now face losing everything.Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) Director Reuben Akili urged affected residents to hit back hard, by dragging land barons to court.
“Residents that lose property should pursue civil claims from those who would have sold land to them. On the other hand, we recommend government pursue criminal charges against those people, so that these issues can be dealt with decisively,” said Akili.
The crisis exploded into reality earlier this week when hundreds of families in Stoneridge were left homeless and devastated after authorities bulldozed their homes on a disputed 20-hectare plot.
As the city prepares for what could be one of the largest demolition drives in Harare’s history, desperate residents are bracing for heartbreak, displacement, and fierce battles ahead.
The move has once again thrust the deadly combination of land barons, illegal settlements, and weak governance into the national spotlight.