The Harare City Council (HCC) has dismissed social media reports claiming it issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders illegally occupying municipal land in Glen View and that it intends to demolish structures, including boreholes drilled under the Presidential Borehole Scheme.
Social media platforms were abuzz with claims that the local authority was planning to demolish a borehole in Glen View 1, which serves more than 2,000 households.
One post circulating online alleged: “The City of Harare orders the removal of a community solar-powered borehole within 48 hours to pave the way for four infill residential stands, a move that will impact approximately 2,800 residents’ access to water in Ward 31, Glen View.”
HCC spokesperson Mr. Stanley Gama dismissed the reports as misleading, saying the council’s priority is to protect community projects such as boreholes and essential infrastructure.
He clarified that the ongoing operation is focused on restoring order to areas affected by land barons, not demolishing development initiatives.
“The notice is directed at land barons who invaded land adjacent to the borehole,” said Mr. Gama. “The borehole itself is not the subject of eviction — only the illegal settlers are. We also indicated that their illegal structures face demolition.”
The 48-hour ultimatum was issued to residents and traders illegally occupying municipal land in Glen View, warning that they would be forcibly evicted, their structures demolished, and their property impounded if they failed to comply.
In a notice dated October 6, 2025, the local authority ordered individuals occupying council land without leases or formal approval to vacate immediately.
“Take notice that you are using and/or occupying council land illegally as you do not have either a lease agreement with, or the permission of, the council,” the notice stated.
“Further take notice that within 48 hours from the service of this notice upon you, you must depart from the land, remove all your property, demolish any structure you may have erected, and clear all rubble from the site.”
The council warned that failure to comply would result in summary eviction and demolition by its officers or appointed agents, with all related costs charged to offenders.
“If you fail to comply with this notice, steps will be taken by the council or its appointed agents to summarily evict you, demolish any structures, and impound any property found on the land. You will be liable for all expenses incurred,” the notice read.
“Impounded goods may only be claimed after 48 hours upon payment of administration and storage fees. Uncollected goods after three months will be auctioned to recover costs.”
The directive forms part of the City of Harare’s ongoing operation to restore order in urban land use and eliminate illegal settlements and trading activities that have proliferated across Glen View and other suburbs.
ALSO READ : Biti Condemns Mutodi’s Removal from Parliamentary Budget Committee
