St Martins residents camp at HCC offices after demolitions

Source: St Martins residents camp at HCC offices after demolitions –Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Aug. 17 (NewsDay Live) — Angry residents whose houses and temporary structures were demolished in St Martins, Harare, over the weeekend have reportedly camped at Harare City Council (HCC) district offices in Sunningdale, demanding answers from the local authority.

The affected residents, left homeless by the demolitions, have taken their belongings to the council offices as they seek clarification on why their homes were destroyed and what will happen to those who invested money in the housing scheme.

St Martins Residents Association chairman Dave Jenje told NewsDay that some affected families were already camping at the council offices, with more expected to join them.

“As I speak now, we have some affected residents who are camping at Harare City Council district offices in Sunningdale,” Jenje said.

“More people are coming as we are seeking answers on why our houses were demolished. We have since hired lorries to carry our properties to the district offices.”

A senior HCC official, who declined to be named, confirmed that residents had moved to the council offices.

“It’s true we have since received information that there are some residents who are camping at our district offices in Sunningdale,” the official said.

The developments come amid growing anger over the demolition of structures in St Martins, with residents demanding clarity on the status of the housing scheme and the fate of affected families.

Phase Two of St Martins was reportedly demolished in its entirety, while Phase One remained intact.

The demolitions have left affected families facing uncertainty over accommodation and the safety of their belongings as they await an explanation from the city authorities.

Residents are also seeking clarity on whether they will be compensated or provided with alternative accommodation.

The council had not, by the time of publication, publicly explained the reasons for the demolitions or outlined measures to assist the affected residents.