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Murambatsvina victims still homeless
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
June 14, 2010

About five years down the line after the Zimbabwean government launched and concluded operation Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle more than 25 families are still squatting in Sakubva.

The Mutare Residents and ratepayers Association Programme Coordinator, Ronald Mutsambiwa last week described the deaming health harzardous and impoverished conditions at the Mushando Beer hall in Sakubva. He said this while attending a Media Dialogue and Engagement Conference organized by NANGO.

Mutsambiwa also called on all relevant authorities to input in the assistance of the Murambatsvina victims through providing decent accommodation or even proper properties where they can set up decent structures. Some of the groups that have taken the initiative to respond to the plight of those affected include Simukai and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). They have assisted the victims with blankets, food and moral support.

The 25 families rely on one toilet, which also doubles as a bathroom. One of the squatters revealed that they are stranded as they have nowhere to turn to for assistance after the government destroyed their houses during Operation Murambatsvina. A Mutare councilor revealed that only ZANU PF card carrying members were allocated stands and houses. He said the houses were grabbed by senior members of the army and police who still live in Barracks and are leasing the houses to the poor at exorbitant prices.

While ZimRights commends efforts by the different civic groups in providing assistance to those still living under squalid conditions because of the clean up campaign, it strongly condems the negligence by the inclusive government in meeting its obligations to ensure that every Zimbabwean has the right to shelter, particulary the victims of the Opeation Murambatsvina. Any democratic government would ensure the respect of people's socio-economic rights and not only the civil and political ones. It is time that Zimbabweans demand their rights and government's obligations towards them through participation in the constitution making process.

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