Illegal settlements sprout in anticipation of Christmas goodies

Suburban Reporter

Another illegal settlement has sprouted in Highlands on the open space between the Forestry Commission on ED Mnangagwa Road and Newlands in a development that has worried residents of the two suburbs.

According to residents, the illegal settlement sprung up in the last two weeks and authorities seem not moved to take action against the unauthorised settlers.

The residents wondered how possible it was to set up a settlement without running water, sewer infrastructure, electricity and other basic services.

A discussion on the Ward 7 service delivery WhatsApp group heard that the problem of illegal settlements was also a menace in Chisipite with some plastic dwellings built recently on the stream by the vlei in the suburb. Some residents told the discussion that this seems to be the norm every festive season because the people who establish the illegal settlements think that if they set up an informal settlement with plastic and cardboard box shacks, well-wishers will donate Christmas goodies for them.

In the past, some well-wishers are said to have played along to the settlers’ ploy and donated blankets, food, clothing and all sorts of necessities and things. This has always given the settlers the reason to gather and establish a settlement ahead of the festive holidays in anticipation of receiving donations.

A resident said investigations have previously revealed that many of the settlers have homes in suburbs such as Hatcliffe but use the illegal settlements as a way to get help.

“So if anybody does want to go and help them especially during Christmas, please check out where they’re from and if it’s a genuine case,” said a resident.

Other residents expressed surprise at the failure of the responsible authorities to take action against the illegal settlers given they were staying at a place without running water and ablution facilities.

The residents questioned the wisdom of allowing the settlers to set up structures and live in a settlement without services.

Those who helped the settlers in any way were not going to assist rectify the bigger problem they were creating, the residents pointed out.

Another settlement was said to have sprung up opposite the mayoral mansion in the nearby Gunhill suburb, according to reports from residents.

“I have brought the squatter camp issue opposite the City of Harare (CoH) Mayoral official residence up with COH and the garbage dumps along the way on Tomlinson Drive Extension, sadly it’s like talking to rocks.

(The) CoH are not interested and have done very little about the dumps and camps , with vague rumblings that it’s a ‘politically sensitive issue’,” said a resident.