Cabinet sets up committee to tackle illegal settlements crisis

SAMANTHA MADE

Government has established an inter-ministerial committee in the wake of the eviction of families from Willdale Farm in Mt Hampden.

The latest development was confirmed by  Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere, who said the committee, drawing in eight ministries including Local Government, Education, Lands, Health and Home Affairs, will pursue a coordinated, long-term solution to the mounting problem.

“Cabinet noted the emergency measures taken to assist the families concerned. Going forward, an inter-ministerial committee comprising the Ministries of Local Government and Public Works; Primary and Secondary Education; Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Health and Child Care; Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare; National Housing and Social Amenities; and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has been established to find a lasting solution to the issue of illegal settlements,” Muswere said.

The development marks a formal acknowledgment by authorities that sporadic interventions are no longer sufficient as urban expansion, land disputes and unregulated occupations continue to surge across the country.