The recent demolition of homes in Belvedere by the opposition-led Harare City Council (HCC) has provoked widespread condemnation from residents and stakeholders across Zimbabwe.
Hundreds of families were left homeless after the council, citing land irregularities, tore down houses, sparking outrage over the timing and execution of the operation.
Critics, including human rights activists and ordinary citizens, have slammed the demolitions as inhumane and poorly timed, occurring during the rainy season when displaced families are most vulnerable. Many have questioned the city council’s failure to act during construction phases and accused it of lacking empathy for the residents it claims to serve.
The demolitions have also drawn attention to contradictions within the opposition’s governance. The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)-led council, which often positions itself as a pro-people entity, faces backlash for policies that have displaced vulnerable families, particularly women and children. Observers argue that this approach undermines the very communities the opposition purports to represent, leading to growing disillusionment with its leadership.
Government intervention has brought a temporary reprieve. Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe stepped in to halt the demolitions, aligning with the Second Republic’s Presidential Title Deeds and Housing Regularisation Programme. This initiative, launched by President Mnangagwa in Epworth in 2023, seeks to address housing challenges by formalizing settlements and curbing land baron activities.
The Second Republic’s commitment to housing development has been evident through various projects aimed at reducing the national housing deficit. From affordable housing schemes for low- and middle-income earners to new residential estates, the government has prioritized the construction of homes to improve living conditions for all Zimbabweans.
In stark contrast, the actions of the CCC-led council have raised doubts about the opposition’s capacity to address urban housing challenges effectively. Critics argue that the demolitions serve political agendas rather than providing sustainable solutions, further alienating the urban electorate.
As Zimbabwe approaches the 2028 elections, the Belvedere demolitions have reignited debates about governance at the local level. For many, the choice between leadership that delivers homes and one that demolishes them could not be clearer.
