Former Zanu PF political commissar and Cabinet minister, Saviour Kasukuwere, has urged the government to devise a comprehensive strategy to address illegal settlements while supporting affected individuals. As the government implements the “No to Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land” initiative, concerns have arisen regarding the eviction of an estimated 13,000 villagers in Masvingo province, with reports suggesting the state stands to gain over US$13 million from fines imposed on evictees.
Kasukuwere highlighted the urgent need for a review of the Communal Lands Act to tackle the escalating situation, emphasizing the proliferation of unplanned settlements due to corruption and inadequate coordination among land authorities. He stressed the importance of harmonizing existing legal frameworks and facilitating lawful resettlement for affected families to mitigate the ongoing chaos.
Amid criticisms of the eviction operations, civic organizations such as Women and Land have raised objections, citing constitutional provisions safeguarding citizens’ rights against arbitrary evictions. Kasukuwere underscored the complexities facing the Ministry of Local Government in executing evictions and resettlements, urging transparent communication and community engagement to foster understanding and cooperation.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Kasukuwere emphasized the necessity of a structured process for land acquisition to prevent further turmoil and ensure equitable access to land resources. In response, Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi called for collaboration and information sharing during the ongoing operation, reporting progress in arrests and convictions related to illegal settlements.
The call for a comprehensive approach to address illegal settlements reflects growing concerns over the government’s eviction operations and the need for a more coordinated and transparent process to safeguard citizens’ rights and promote sustainable land management practices. Kasukuwere’s advocacy for a holistic review of land laws and enhanced coordination among relevant authorities underscores the importance of addressing root causes of illegal settlements and ensuring fairness and equity in land management policies.
As the government grapples with the challenges of land management and resettlement, stakeholders continue to call for inclusive and transparent processes that prioritize the welfare of affected communities and uphold constitutional rights. Efforts to address illegal settlements and land disputes are crucial for promoting social stability, economic development, and environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe.
