Zimbabwe Moves to Tackle Illegal Settlements Amid Growing Water and Sanitation Crisis

Zimbabwe’s government has intensified efforts to address the rapid expansion of illegal settlements around Harare, as mounting concerns over unsafe water, poor sanitation, environmental degradation and unplanned urban growth push authorities toward comprehensive reforms.

Government ministries, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee responsible for urban development, local authorities, housing officials and a broad range of stakeholders have begun consultations and field inspections aimed at developing long-term solutions to one of the country’s most pressing urban challenges.

The renewed focus follows growing concern over an estimated 390,000 households occupying unplanned settlements across Harare, many of which fall outside the city’s formal planning framework and lack access to basic services including clean water, sewerage systems, healthcare and education facilities.

A recent fact-finding exercise led by development strategist and media practitioner Ambassador of Hope Josiah Dimbo highlighted the deteriorating environmental conditions in several communities in Harare South. Speaking to Pan African Visions, Dimbo described widespread pollution, inadequate sanitation infrastructure and unsafe water sources as a growing public health emergency requiring urgent government intervention.

“The situation is deeply concerning,” Dimbo said. “Population growth in these settlements continues to outpace infrastructure development. Many families are buying very cheap residential stands in areas that have no water reticulation, sewer systems or proper roads. In some cases, residents rely on open wells located close to polluted water sources, exposing entire communities to serious health risks.”

Dimbo also raised concerns over the continued proliferation of land barons, whom he said have contributed significantly to unregulated settlement expansion.

“Government must restore order through proper planning, stronger enforcement of existing laws and the provision of essential infrastructure. Urban growth must be guided by sound policies that protect both people and the environment,” he said.

As part of the ongoing assessment, stakeholders visited several of Harare’s fastest-growing settlements, including Southlands, Southly Park, Hopley, Tariro, Mbare and Epworth. The inspections revealed densely populated neighbourhoods with limited infrastructure, poor sanitation and inadequate access to public services.

Officials noted that many residential stands measure approximately 200 square metres, far below planning standards considered necessary to accommodate adequate infrastructure such as water reticulation, sewer systems and public amenities.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume described the situation as one of the city’s greatest service delivery challenges.

“We estimate there are at least 390,000 households living in illegal settlements across Harare, with many concentrated in the southern suburbs,” Mafume said. “Most residents lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. These conditions increase the risk of disease outbreaks and place enormous pressure on the city’s limited resources.”

Mafume said the City Council is intensifying efforts to address illegal settlements linked to land barons and politically connected individuals who have facilitated unauthorized developments.

“Harare City Council is currently dealing with more than 190,000 illegal structures. Besides straining service delivery, these developments significantly reduce council revenue that could otherwise be invested in improving infrastructure and expanding essential services,” he said.

Ward councillor Simon Manzanga said residents in several communities are forced to collect water from contaminated sources located near overflowing sewer systems and open waste disposal sites.

“Many families depend on unsafe water sources contaminated by sewage and other waste. This presents a serious health hazard. Recent demolitions affecting hundreds of families have further highlighted the need for an integrated approach. Addressing water and sanitation must remain the first priority,” he said.

Hatfield Ward 22 Councillor Clemence Maimba argued that closer coordination between central government and local authorities is essential if lasting solutions are to be achieved.

“The City Council operates within policies established by central government. Stronger collaboration, adequate resources and clear policy direction are needed to resolve these longstanding challenges. Illegal land allocation has become a major contributor to the problems confronting Harare today,” Maimba said.

The issue is now expected to receive further attention in Parliament as policymakers examine legislative and administrative measures aimed at improving urban planning, curbing illegal land allocations and expanding access to clean water, sanitation, education and healthcare in affected communities.

Stakeholders involved in the consultations said the ultimate objective is not only to regularize settlements where possible but also to establish sustainable urban development models capable of supporting Zimbabwe’s rapidly growing urban population while protecting public health and the environment.

*Nevison Mpofu is an award-winning journalist and published writer.