Zimbabwe’s High Court Delivers Historic Judgment on Mbare Hostels
The High Court of Zimbabwe has issued a groundbreaking ruling, ordering the City of Harare (CoH) to immediately refurbish and rehabilitate dilapidated hostels and flats in Mbare, making them safe and habitable for residents. This significant decision was handed down by High Court judge Justice Nyaradzo Munangati-Manongwa, following a lawsuit brought by Mbare resident Israel Mabhoo and the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA). The applicants, represented by Denford Halimani of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), cited severe neglect by the CoH and government ministries.
Key Orders to Restore Livability
The court’s judgment, delivered on 11 December, compels CoH to fulfil its statutory and common law obligations as the landlord and local authority. The ruling applies to several residential areas in Mbare, including Matapi, Matererini, Nenyere (Magaba), Mbare Flats, and Shawasha hostels. Justice Munangati-Manongwa ruled that the CoH had grossly neglected its duties, resulting in squalid living conditions unfit for human habitation.
The court ordered CoH to:
- Rehabilitate, renovate, and rebuild the hostels to meet safety and habitability standards.
- Restore essential services, including water supply, functional sewer systems, refuse collection, and improved sanitation.
- Install fire safety measures, such as extinguishers, warning devices, and fire escapes.
Additionally, the judgment requires the provision of temporary accommodation, such as tents, for affected residents during the refurbishment process. Should relocation be necessary, the CoH and relevant ministries must implement a comprehensive plan to ensure interim access to essential services, including sanitation, water, electricity, and cooking facilities.
Responsibilities of Government Ministries
The ruling also addressed the responsibilities of several government ministries:
- Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe and National Housing Minister Zhemu Soda must oversee CoH’s compliance and provide temporary shelter or interim measures.
- Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora must take measures under the Public Health Act to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Environment Minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu is tasked with ensuring compliance with environmental regulations to prevent pollution around the hostels.
This judgment is seen as a victory for Mbare residents, who have long endured substandard living conditions. The plaintiffs argued that the state of the hostels violated their fundamental rights to dignity, health, and a safe living environment.
While this ruling marks a significant step forward, its implementation will be closely monitored to ensure that the affected communities finally receive the long-overdue improvements they deserve.
What are your thoughts on this judgment? Do you believe it will lead to lasting change for Mbare residents?
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The post High Court Orders City of Harare to Refurbish Mbare Hostels in Landmark Judgment, Says Make Them Livable appeared first on iHarare News.
