Thousands of residents in Epworth, a suburb of Harare, are facing a humanitarian crisis after flash floods ravaged the area, highlighting the ongoing issue of illegal settlements on riverbanks.
The recent floods have left hundreds homeless, with many more at risk of displacement.
Councillor for Epworth ward 5, Chamunorwa Takundwa raised concerns of people settling illegally near riverbanks, exacerbating the flood risk.
“Residents sometimes resist to go and build houses where they were legally allocated, they keep on build in river banks. However, some are there because they have no place to go all those people have been affected and we have no where to put them,” said Takundwa.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tavengwa, who visited the affected residents urged local authorities to address the issue, emphasizing the need to remove those settled illegally.
“What is sad is that some people have been allocated places to stay but they keep on going back to build in river BA ks. We have spoken with the council and there is need to enforce by laws” he said.
A densification strategy is proposed to resettle affected residents, but some will face eviction.
The situation in Epworth highlights broader issues of urban planning, land ownership, and human rights in Zimbabwe.
As the government pushes for regularization of informal settlements, residents are caught in the middle, seeking security and dignity.
Minister of state Tavengwa added that the Zimbabwean government is working to regularize informal settlements across the country, including in Epworth, where thousands have been affected by flash floods.
Red Cross Zimbabwe’s Disaster Management Coordinator, Paul Moyo said they are ready and prepared to help those families affected.
“We acted swiftly upon hearing the news of the disaster and we prepared tents for temporary shelter, soaps and water buckets to react to wash issues which we know that they usually affect people when such disaster struck.”
Member of Parliament for Epworth South constituency Honour Mbofana Mutana Taendzwa vowed to make sure that those people affected will be fed as they are gathered at Epworth High school follow a rescue and evacuation from their homes during the disaster.
Over 14,500 stands were said to have been allocated in Epworth Local Board, with an additional 4,046 stands selected for regularization under the City of Harare.
However, many settlements in Epworth lack essential infrastructure like water supply, sewer reticulation, electricity, and proper roads.
