by TZN Correspondent
PRESIDENT Mugabe blasted two Government ministers over an illegal residential settlement that has mushroomed near the Harare International Airport, asking them to explain why it was allowed to crop up before giving the occupiers 14 days to vacate the land they invaded in 2000.
Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and his Transport and Infrastructural Development counterpart Dr Joram Gumbo could not give satisfactory answers.
He said the settlement tarnished the image of the country and the settlers should be immediately relocated. After cutting the ribbon, the President asked Dr Gumbo about the legal status of the settlement. Dr Gumbo said he was not sure about its status and referred questions to Minister Kasukuwere, who was not immediately available.
When Minister Kasukuwere was eventually called to explain, he said the settlement was a housing cooperative. Said President Mugabe: “Ko izvo zviri kubuda uko zvii? Apa hapaite kuti mupe vanhu nekuti panhu panopfuura nemavisitors. Haisi land yeexpansion yeairport here?”
Minister Kasukuwere concurred that the land was for airport expansion. President Mugabe then added:“Vanhu vari apa ngavabve.” Legislator for Harare South, which forms part of the settlement, Shadreck Mashayamombe, who was also present when President Mugabe made the order, said the area would be cleared within 14 days.
