More than 200 poor families have illegally taken occupancy of one of the settlements, Linderis Farm, some 2km from the Epworth Local Board on the border with Zanu (PF) MP Hebert Murerwa’s Goromonzi constituency.
The settlement, popularly known as Magada, resembles a Zanu (PF) base, with party flags flying all over the place. While the place has existed as an informal settlement for some time, it tends to expand whenever there is an election.
“All that is required to secure a residential property here is a Zanu (PF) membership card. Prices of stands range between $100 and $150,” said a youth leader responsible for vetting applicants, who identified himself Chirovamhanga.
He said residents were not encouraged to construct permanent structures for now, as the properties were yet to be serviced. Successful applicants make cash payments to the Zanu (PF) village chairperson, only identified as Mai Mazvimba.
Most settlers are former tenants from urban areas and struggling members of the defence forces. Many Zanu (PF) officials at the farm, who share the cash paid by settlers, have bought themselves residential properties and constructed big houses at the neighbouring Glenwood Suburb.
“Besides cashing in on desperate poor home seekers, Zanu (PF) will destroy the environment through their massive brick-making projects. Bricks have a ready market in Epworth, especially at Glenwood. Judging from past experiences, the settlers will be evicted soon after the elections,” said a settler who could not be identified for security reasons.
People dig shallow pits for toilets while others relieve themselves in the surrounding bush. Officials at Epworth Local Board refused to comment, saying: “The area is not under our jurisdiction.”
A council official, who answered the phone at Goromonzi Rural District Council, said the rural authority was not aware of such a settlement, adding: “Some of these things are mere political gimmicks.”
Recently, similar illegal settlements were demolished at Cell 7 and Zimbabwe Phosphates area in Epworth leaving some 250 families homeless.
Zanu (PF) through its Harare Provincial Chairperson, Amos Midzi, took a swipe at the demolitions. “Destruction of people’s shelter is both inhuman and barbaric,” said Midzi. However, in the winter of 2005, Zanu (PF) embarked on unprecedented residential and business property destruction nationwide. The globally condemned Operation Murambatsvina (Clean up) displace hundreds of thousands of families homeless.
Post published in: News