A total of 760 households are illegally occupying part of the Homeless People`s Federation area. The area is not serviced and has no water or ablution facilities. The occupants rely on Nyamawuru stream as a source of water and using the bush to answer calls of nature.
The war veterans argue that their stay is legal and has the Blessing of the Minister of Local Government and Urban Development, Ignatius Chombo.
The disputed land was allocated by the council to Homeless People`s Federation and Shelter Dialogue for the development of housing units for the less privileged.
Town Clerk, Obert Muzawazi, last December issued a 21-day eviction notice to war veterans to vacate their shacks. But they remain defiant, exposing thousands of residents to a potential health hazard.
Part of the notice from Muzawazi reads: “The occupation has no council permission and does not meet the provision for the operative building by laws, the Public Health Act and Standard Housing Act”. The area is littered with human faeces and swarms of flies while a strong smell of decomposing faeces pervades the area.
A war veteran, who only identified himself as Mandikutse, told this reporter: “We are not going anywhere because Minister Chombo is aware that we are staying here. This is our country and fought for it so where do the council want us to go? We don’t have anywhere to go.”
Residents in Dangamvura are pressing the local authority to demolish the illegal settlement.
“The situation could trigger to the outbreak of diseases. These people do not have toilets and they are resorting to bush.Council should ask the assistance of the police to bring sanity to this area because no one is above the law,” said Misheck Nyangani, a local resident.
A local health expert with Institute of Medical Research, Terrence Malunga, said the council should act urgently to save the health and life of residents.
Post published in: News