Squatter Settlements an Urban Menace in Zimbabwe? Examining Factors behind the Continued Resurfacing of Squatter Settlements in Epworth Suburb, Harare

Prince Daniel MSINDO1, Ignatius GUTSA1, Naume Zorodzai CHOGUYA1
1 University of Zimbabwe, Department of Sociology, Harare, ZIMBABWE
E-mail: igutsa@sociol.uz.ac.zw
Pages: 171-182

Abstract. This study examined the factors behind the continued resurfacing of squatter settlements in Epworth, Harare. To achieve the study’s objectives a qualitative methodological approach was adopted which included the use of Focus Group Discussions and key informant interviews. The study made use of the Socio-Spatial approach and of the Actor-Oriented approaches. Findings show that a number of factors ranging from escaping high rentals, increasing family sizes and escaping the impacts of Operation Murambatsvina were some of the factors that are behind the continued resurfacing of squatter settlements in Epworth. Furthermore a number of challenges are being faced by the squatter residents ranging from poor sanitation services to the challenge of social vices in the area. As a result, the squatter dwellers are calling upon their agency to find a way into the area and finding their way around the limitations they face by residing in the squatter settlements in Epworth.

K e y w o r d s: accommodation, Epworth, Murambatsvina, urbanisation, squatter