Zim soldiers to rebuild homes
2005-06-23 23:12
Harare - The government is mobilising soldiers to build houses for the thousands of people it forced from their homes in an urban cleanup campaign that has drawn condemnation at home and abroad, a spokesperson said on Thursday.
The announcement comes as Zimbabwe prepares for the visit of a special United Nations (UN) envoy coming to see the impact of Operation Murambatsvina, or Drive Out Trash, which the UN estimates has left up to 1.5 million people homeless.
After a seven hour meeting of President Robert Mugabe's highest policy-making body, the Politburo, spokesperson Ephraim Masawi was quoted on state radio on Thursday as saying military personnel would lead national and provincial reconstruction committees being formed immediately.
Masawi said there would be "building brigades in all 10 provinces for reconstruction of houses, shops and flea markets", to replace those flattened since May 19, when police launched their blitz first on the capital's street traders, then on "informal housing".
Only selected few to benefit, says MDC
The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says only supporters of Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF were getting new housing sites and trading licenses.
Answering questions on Wednesday during a stormy parliamentary session justice minister Patrick Chinamasa conceded harm had been done to legitimate housing by what he called a "cleanup" meant to flush out black marketers and criminals. The government blames them for runaway 144% hyperinflation and shortage of most staples.
"Government has put into place the necessary logistics to address those immediate concerns such as health."
Senior assistant police commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena told the Herald 42 415 people were arrested, fined or had their goods confiscated since the start of Drive Out Trash, while he estimated the number left homeless at 120 000 — far short of the 250 000 to 1.5 million estimate other observers have given.
Some people defend controversial campaign
While Zimbabwe clerics have called the operation "a crime against humanity" and "a war against the poor", government loyalists defend it. Vincent Takure, chairperson of the Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, was quoted by the state broadcaster on Thursday as applauding "government efforts to re-organise the informal sector".
Takure said it would give bankers confidence in small-scale businessmen and help them create employment.
Police on Wednesday closed seven office high-rise buildings in downtown Harare, evicting photocopying and other small businesses they said were causing overcrowding and strain on sanitation facilities.
Robert Chamunorwa, president of the Commercial Tenants' Association, said he welcomed police removal of firms operating illegally from offices and workshops in upmarket neighbourhoods, but he urged rent boards to impose strict controls.
- AP