Clean-up remains collective programme
The Herald, 8 October 2005 THE clean-up operation was and remains a collective programme premised on the twin goals of dealing with lawlessness and providing decent accommodation to Zimbabweans under the National Housing Delivery Programme, Government said yesterday.
In a statement, the Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde George Charamba said contrary to reports and claims this week by two business weeklies and a website serving a fringe politician, the decision to rid the country of slums and other illegal structures and activities was taken by Government using appropriate forums.
The statement was in reaction to stories by the Financial Gazette and the Independent taken from the latest issues of the New African magazine, which reported that Operation Restore Order was the brainchild of the Central Intelligence Organisation to deal with public anger targeted at Government.
“Government finds quite fatuous attempts by some sections of the media to read its policies and decisions from an editorial of a private magazine,” said Cde Charamba.
He said both the goals of ridding criminal activities and providing decent accommodation were being achieved and the outcome by way of lawful business practices and decent housing was much appreciated.
“Government policy and position against slums and for decent housing has been abundantly communicated to all sundry, including the media,” said Cde Charamba.
LESSONS FOR TODAY Illegal settlements and business operations breed all sorts of crimes, hence the need for regulation and monitoring.
The sprouting of unregulated settlements in most urban areas pose a major health hazard.
The increasing urbanisation that is not matching with housing delivery by urban local authorities, has been a topical issue resulting in the increasing sprawling urban informal settlements.
Development of the illegal settlements has contributed to land degradation.
Firewood is the main source of cheap energy.
This means there is substantial cutting down of trees to sustain the energy needs of the residents (cooking), consequently resulting in the land being left bare, and soil exposed to agents of erosion.
The majority of residents in the illegal settlements who do not pay rates to the Local Authority are enjoying provision of services to some extent. Owners do not pay user fees and often connect to infrastructure illegally, thus reducing the returns offered to council to supply essential services. ===================== For historical information contact: Zimpapers Knowledge Centre at Herald House on: +2638677004323 +2630242795771 E-mail knowledgecentre@zimpapers.co.zw