More than 16,500 houses in Epworth are set to be demolished after being found built on land earmarked for critical public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, clinics, and industrial zones—a staggering example of how deep-rooted land invasions have crippled urban planning in Harare’s peripheries.
The revelation emerged during a workshop this week where local authorities in the Harare Metropolitan Province presented draft master plans to the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tavengwa.
The discussions painted a grim picture of widespread illegal settlements, many of which are the handiwork of notorious land barons.
Epworth Local Board spatial planner, Pardon Chibuwe, said a total of 16,500 people have illegally occupied land designated for public services, creating what planners call “land use conflict zones.”
“These include sites meant for schools, hospitals, clinics, and industrial development,” said Chibuwe.
ALSO READ: Cloverdale Families Left Homeless After Sudden Home Demolitions
“The land was illegally sold by self-styled developers. The challenge now is relocation, how do we move these people without worsening the crisis?”
To mitigate the looming humanitarian fallout, the Epworth Local Board plans to regularise and resettle the affected residents through densification, a strategy that involves building upward (high-rises) and subdividing existing stands.
According to the Herald, Epworth has 2,500 oversized stands, averaging 3,000 square metres each, earmarked for this process.
Yet, even with this plan in motion, Epworth has run out of land for basic amenities — no more room for cemeteries, churches, industries, or schools.
Across the metro, Harare faces a similar disaster.
Over 200 houses have been built on the route of the future Harare Drive, and illegal settlements now outnumber legal homes in the city, with more than 100,000 houses sitting on undesignated land, according to Mayor Jacob Mafume.
“We’ve reached a tipping point,” Mafume said.
“Children are walking 8km to school. There are no clinics. Some houses flood during rains. We have to act.”
The city plans to demolish 5,000 illegal houses soon—a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of unplanned settlements threatening Harare’s future.
The mayor said vertical expansion through high-rise developments will be crucial for survival.
Chitungwiza’s director of works, Talent Mushinga, echoed the alarm, pointing to the town’s failure to grow beyond its residential identity.
“We’ve become an economic catchment for Harare — not a centre of industry,” he said, blaming land barons and poor infrastructure planning.
Minister Tavengwa noted that Chitungwiza, Epworth, and Ruwa had submitted their draft master plans, while Harare’s plan remains incomplete due to funding delays
Info News
Best Personal Loan Rates for Debt Consolidation in 2026
If you are trying to pay off several debts at once, a personal loan for debt consolidation may help simplify your finances. Instead of juggling multiple payments, you can combine balances into one monthly loan payment, which may also lower your interest rate.
rnThis type of article works well because people searching for personal loan rates usually have strong intent. They are not just browsing; they are comparing options and looking for a solution they can use soon. That makes this a strong topic for both search traffic and monetization.
rnBefore choosing a loan, compare the interest rate, repayment term, fees, and total cost. A low monthly payment may look attractive, but a longer term can mean paying more over time. The best loan is not always the one with the lowest advertised rate — it is the one with the best overall terms for your situation.
rnIt is also important to check whether the lender charges an origination fee, prepayment penalty, or late payment fee. These costs can reduce the value of a loan that otherwise looks affordable. If you are comparing offers, always look at the full loan details instead of focusing on one number.
rnDebt consolidation works best when you also change the habits that caused the debt in the first place. That may mean creating a budget, cutting unnecessary spending, and avoiding new balances while you repay the loan. Without that step, consolidation can become temporary relief instead of a long-term solution.
rnSome borrowers may also benefit from comparing secured and unsecured loans. Unsecured loans do not require collateral, while secured loans may offer lower rates but come with more risk. Choosing the right option depends on your credit profile, income, and comfort with risk.
rnIf your credit score is strong, you may qualify for more competitive rates. If your score is lower, improving your credit before applying could make a meaningful difference. Even a small rate improvement can save a lot of money over the life of the loan.
rnThe best personal loan for debt consolidation should make your payments simpler, reduce stress, and help you move toward becoming debt-free.
rn
Best GLP-1 Weight Loss Program Without Insurance
1. Telehealth Semaglutide Programs
rnrn
Telehealth providers have changed the game for affordable weight loss treatment. Many online clinics now offer compounded semaglutide programs at significantly lower prices than retail pharmacies.
rnrn
Benefits include:
rnrn
rn - Online doctor consultations
rn - Prescription management
rn - Home delivery
rn - Monthly coaching
rn - Lower medication costs
rn
rnrn
Some programs start between $199 and $399 monthly depending on dosage and support options.
rnrn
For many Americans without insurance, this is the cheapest realistic path to GLP-1 treatment.
rnrn
rn
