Takudzwa Chingandeya
HARARE — A Zimbabwean court has ordered the City of Harare to rehabilitate crumbling hostels in Mbare and restore essential services, ruling that the municipality failed its legal duties to residents living in squalid conditions.
Justice Munangati-Manongwa, in a ruling issued Dec. 11, directed authorities to renovate Matapi, Matererini, Nenyere (Magaba), and Shawasha hostels. The judge said Harare officials had breached their obligations as landlords and local authorities, forcing tenants to endure “intolerable” conditions.
The court instructed the city to fix water and sewer systems, improve sanitation, collect garbage, and install fire safety equipment. During renovations, the city, along with Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe and Housing Minister Zhemu Soda, must provide temporary shelter and basic services to affected residents.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora was ordered to prevent potential disease outbreaks, while Environmental Minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu was tasked with preventing further environmental degradation.
The ruling followed a lawsuit by the Combined Harare Residents Association, which sought relief for tenants who have long complained of poor living conditions in the densely populated hostels.