Published by the government of Zimbabwe
9 September 2008
Beitbridge — Musina Municipality has ordered churches and non-governmental organisations to dismantle temporary shelters, which had been housing more than 500 illegal Zimbabwean immigrants along with a number of Somali refugees.
The shelters had been erected at some houses in Nancefield suburb.
In a statement, municipality spokesman Mr Wilson Dzebu said the decision was arrived at on August 26 following complaints about the health standards, welfare, safety and security matters by members of the community.
He said initially the illegal immigrants had been staying at the Anglican Church before moving to the temporary houses.
"We have since instructed local churches and NGOs to dismantle these temporary shelters which housed approximately 500 foreign nationals among them Somalis and Ethiopian nationals.
"Of late, we have had several complaints from members of the public about living conditions at these places. During marathon meetings they indicated that some of their properties were being destroyed and water was being drawn without their permission.
"The municipality then made investigations and found that proper channels were not followed when these shelters were erected.
"In another instance, we discovered that other structures had been erected on top of the sewage mainline, which is against the law.
"It is the duty of the municipality to make sure that the by-laws are adhered to. However, the municipality is engaged in negotiations with the concerned stakeholders to find an amicable solution on the issue," said Mr Dzebu.
He said since the destruction of the shacks the illegal immigrants were now staying at the Musina show grounds while some had sought refugee in bushes.
Mr Dzebu said NGOs and churches should seek permission from the local authority so that they can be allocated land for that purpose rather than doing things harphazardly.
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