InfoAnda - Victims of Zimbabwe blitz struggle to build houses

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Blast rocks intersection in northwest Pakistan | 10 November 2009
Apple CEO's pay takes big hit vs. record 2011 package | | 28 December 2012
3 suspected militants arrested in Indonesian raid | 13 May 2010

Apple did not violate Samsung patents: U.S. trade judge | | 15 September 2012

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Victims of Zimbabwe blitz struggle to build houses

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World Victims of Zimbabwe blitz struggle to build houses AFP - Tuesday, December 15 Send IM Story Print VIDEO: In May 2005 the regime of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe demolished informal housing and razed whole neighbourhoods, upending the lives of a huge number of the urban poor. To this day, many of them are still without homes, living in harsh conditions made event more abject by the country's economic straits. Duration: 2:08 HARARE (AFP) - – Four years after her house was demolished in a blitz by Zimbabwe's government, Chipo Chama still lives in a grass thatched shack struggling to find a better home for herself and her two children. Though she is married to a builder, the 27-year-old housewife has rickety wooden planks for walls and covers her roof with plastic sheeting to keep out the rain in Harare's Hatcliffe suburb -- far from the neighbourhood where she used to live. "Right now I don't have a housing lot, but we are paying money to local co-operatives (to save for a down payment) so we may get lots to build houses," Chama said. And she is far from alone. According to official estimates, some two million Zimbabweans in this country of 12.2 million require accommodation. In 2005, Chama had a sturdy brick and cement house with asbestos roofing, but the government bulldozed it, saying it was illegal and was not fit for human habitation. The blitz, which was named Murambatsvina -- meaning "Drive out filth" -- left more than 700,000 people homeless and shattered the livelihoods of 2.4 million people whose small businesses were also destroyed by President Robert Mugabe's government. The police and the army gave only short notice to people to move their property from buildings slated for destruction, causing property losses estimated in millions of dollars. Some now live in settings far worse than the homes that were razed, often without water, electricity or sewers, coping with harsh conditions made even more abject by the country's economic straits. The campaign was widely seen as an attempt to tamp out support for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), which enjoys much of its support in Zimbabwe's cities. But since MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai joined a unity government with Mugabe in February, little has changed for the victims. Chama says she lost property worth 300 US dollars -- a huge sum in a country where per capita GDP was estimated at 200 dollars last year. Despite her loss, she hopes one day she will be able to find a lot to build a house for her family. "I hope that in the years to come we will be able to build homes like in other surburbs," Chama said. Another victim of Murambatsvina, builder John Chitawa, 49, told AFP that his life has never been the same after his property and little belongings were demolished in the clean up campaign but says life has moved on, and is picking up from where he left four years ago. "When Murambatsvina hit us we lost a lot of things because the two roomed house I had built and the property was destroyed," Chitawa said adding that he lost valuables worth 3,000 dollars. "The whole property I had was lost, my bed, my wardrobe, radio. I was attending a funeral when the blitz came and everything was destroyed and I was left at ground zero." Chitawa, one of the few who got a housing lot from the government after Murambatsvina, has already built four rooms but there is no electricity, water is not flowing in taps and he uses a ventilated pit latrine -- known here as a Blair Toilet -- as the sewer system is not functioning well. A few houses were built by the government of President Robert Mugabe in 2005 but were far from accommodating all the victims of Murambatsvina and the houses lacked water and sewers. Housing Minister Fidelis Mhashu said the new unity government is mapping up a policy to build low-income housing, adding that if the country does not give priority to building houses for the homeless slums will emerge. "We don't have slums in this country of the likes of those in Kibera, Kenya, and other countries," he said referring to one of the biggest slums in Africa. "We are aware that if we don't act with speed we are going to have problems of slums appearing or mushrooming," Mhashu said. Mhashu estimates that the country has a housing backlog of two million people and said the government will approach donor countries and financial institutions to assist in building houses as the government doesn't have money. "Our country estimate is about two million people require accommodation," Mhashu said. "We are frantically looking for funds from our financiers throughout the world." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles "Up in the Air," "Nine" lead Golden Globes Reuters - 1 hour 35 minutes ago Golden Globe animated film nominations announced AP - 1 hour 44 minutes ago Not so elementary: mixed reviews for 'Sherlock Holmes' AFP - 1 hour 51 minutes ago Damon, Waltz nominated for supporting actor Globe AP - 1 hour 56 minutes ago Cameron lauds Fox for risking big bucks on Avatar Reuters - 2 hours 13 minutes ago News Search Top Stories BA takes legal action to prevent Christmas strikes Boeing's Dreamliner to make first flight Tuesday Greek promise of cutbacks leave analysts sceptical Coconut-carrying octopus stuns scientists US authorities approve Kraft bid for Cadbury More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Dubai to pay debt with $10 billion Abu Dhabi fund Boeing's Dreamliner to make first flight Tuesday Plastics component affects intestine: study Courtney Love loses custody of daughter: court Coconut-carrying octopus stuns scientists More Most Viewed » Global stocks mixed amid Dubai debt crisis Tiny magnetic discs could kill cancer cells: study Virgin unveils spaceship to offer space tourism Tiger Woods' girlfriend apologizes in TV interview Dubai blackout over debt plans to hit Gulf markets More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Iran worked on atom bomb part in 2007
BA travellers face Christmas strike misery
France earmarks millions to digitise treasures
US-TECH Summary
New NASA satellite blasts off on space-map mission
Israel eases restrictions on Palestinians for Xmas
Citi to repay 20 billion dollars in plan to exit bailout
CEOs' switch from cost cutting to boost IT: Gartner
Iran worked on atom bomb part in 2007: report |
Dubai to pay debt with $10 bln Abu Dhabi handout
Officials: World power meeting on Iran canceled
NBA launches Web, mobile sites for fans in India
Hamas PM vows to 'liberate Palestine' at Gaza rally
U.N. Bhutto assassination inquiry needs more time: Ban |
Spain jails 11 for attempted Barcelona metro attacks |
Brazil, U.S. find common ground on Honduras: official |
Jordan king swears in new conservative government |
Google phone with T-Mobile contract in January: source |
Fla. hotel guests move after Legionnaires' kills 1
Afghan conference seeks 'confession' on corruption
U.S. Supreme Court to hear text message privacy case
CEOs' switch from cost cutting to boost IT: Gartner |
Court won't revive gun lawsuit
Walkout heightens failure fears for climate marathon
Egypt puts archives on Web to boost Arabic content |
Colo. court: Immigrants records illegally searched
Iran to try 3 Americans who crossed Iraqi border
Evacuation ordered as Philippine volcano spews ash
Thousands evacuate after gas leak in central Ohio
Teen sentenced to 30 years in Florida gang rape
Pakistan seeks clues on jailed Americans
Liberia victims face Taylor's son in US court
Philippines raises volcano alert, orders evacuation
Judge hears arguments in Va. Tech lawsuit
Hong Kong cable network blocked in China
Big bird gets talon caught in DC Metro escalator
India inflation hits 10-month high
China launches landmark Central Asia gas pipeline
Pakistan stocks up on Dubai bailout; rupee lower
Downey Jr. adds punch to stuffy Holmes films |
Hurt Locker gains traction in awards heavy week |
Steps from Eiffel Tower sell for 85,000 euros
Leona Lewis attacker held under UK mental health laws |
Crack: a rising scourge on the streets of Latin America
Chemical plant helps Dutch aubergine grower
Drug traffickers intimidating Mexico journalists
Stephanopoulos starts early shift as 'GMA' co-host
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Tiger Woods finds celebrity media impossible to tame |
Leona Lewis attacker held under UK mental health laws
Schizophrenic detained for punching pop singer Lewis
'Basterds,' 'Nine' among top Critics' Choice picks
"Basterds," "Nine," lead Critics' Choice field
Iran makes arrests over torn Khomeini picture
Berlusconi in hospital at least till Wednesday: doctor
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner to make first flight Tuesday
Apple cites strong iMac demand amid shipping delays
Obama urges Lebanon to clamp down on arms smuggling |
Car bombs kill four, wound 15 in Baghdad
Courtney Love loses custody of daughter: court
Blast in Kabul diplomatic district, four killed |
Samsung Electronics names new CEO
Google phone with T-Mobile contract in Jan: source
Last US banking giants to repay state bailouts
Built back better in Aceh five years after tsunami |
US Afghan surge to begin this week
Egypt puts archives on Web to boost Arabic content
Obama talks tough with 'fat cat' bankers
Big powers scrap meeting on Iran nuclear program
Wells Fargo to repay all 25-billion-dollar US loan
Costa Rica latest stop for Mexican drug gangs |
Plastics component affects intestine: study
Fidel Castro says Obama's smile can't be trusted |
World's longest sea bridge may boost South China economy |
UK court issued arrest warrant for Livni: report |
Samsung Electronics names new CEO
Palace politics: Royal audience stirs controversy
SKorea to give medical aid to NKorea this week
Family members found dead in S. California home
Thais probe destination for seized NKorean weapons
Judge's ruling puts Navajo president back on job
Apple cites strong iMac demand amid shipping delays |
Suicide bomb blast near hotel in Kabul
Colo. man settles claims in 'popcorn lung' lawsuit
Craigslist CEO: Was told eBay's Whitman a monster |
Large explosion near hotel in Kabul
China cop labeled a martyr after drinking death
Mo. reported inflated food stamp figures to feds
Mayon volcano in Philippines oozes lava; alert up
Man convicted of torturing 76-year-old Calif woman
Top US officer: Taliban harder to defeat
La. student falls under bus during scuffle, dies
Samsung Electronics names new CEO |
Malaysia arrests 3 Thais with homemade explosives
Malaysia police rescue 6 babies from traffickers
2 guilty of killing CA teen, hiding body in drum
Pakistani stocks trade halted on technical glitch
NZ raises growth forecast and cuts long-term borrowing
ADB: East Asia economies recovering at faster pace
Fitch: no NZ rating impact from debt f'cast revision
Hollywood writers take their research seriously
ADB raises Asian growth forecasts
Mel Gibson to direct DiCaprio in Viking movie: report
Japan's economy 'very severe': PM
Journalists threaten to fight Indonesia censorship
Pakistan
Golden Globe nominations don't ensure Oscar love |
Samsung promotes former boss' son to key post
FACTBOX-Five political risks to watch in South Korea
Courtney Love loses guardianship of daughter |
Robert Downey Jr. adds punch to stuffy Holmes films |
Taiwan dollar firms as Dubai woes ease; eyes c.bank
Movie race wide open ahead of key awards week |
Americans turn to TV as recession hits spending |
Josie and the Pussycats purring again
Josie and the Pussycats purring again |
Americans turn to TV as recession hits spending: survey
Lovely Bones overcomes rough start |
Rural communities lead Nepal's green fightback
Hollywood writers take their research seriously |
Richard Dreyfuss film eyes awards-season glory
Nanny Returns to New York's now troubled elite |
Sports Illustrated puts Stephen Colbert on cover
Dexter season finale slashes records |
US couple offers hope to disabled Chinese children
Britain's X Factor revives talent show fortunes
Marriage is good for the health: global study
No mystery: 'Sherlock Holmes' a smash
Hollywood writers take their research seriously
Iran prosecutor says Web sites insulted president
Blast near Pakistani minister's home, 20 dead |
Microsoft suspends Juku after plagiarism claims
Karzai warns corruption fight will take years
Greek promise of cutbacks leave analysts sceptical
Berlusconi attacker apologizes for cowardly act |
Officials: Bomb attacks in north Iraq city kill 4
Coconut-carrying octopus stuns scientists
LG sets 3D TV target, to offer new lineup in 2010
Rival student groups hold rallies in Tehran: report |
Abbas sticks by terms for talks, rules out violence
US authorities approve Kraft bid for Cadbury
Bombs kill eight in Baghdad, northern Iraq |
Karzai in anti-graft speech defends convicted mayor |
Israel slams British arrest warrant against Livni
Spymaster sees Israel as world cyberwar leader |
Suicide attack near Kabul hotel kills eight
China warns West from taking up dissident case |
Bombers breach Baghdad security again, killing four
Abbas sticks by terms for talks, rules out violence |
Suspected suicide bomb kills one in Kabul
Pacific island recognizes Georgian rebel region |
Statuette used to hit Berlusconi does brisk trade |
LG sets 3D TV target, to offer new lineup in 2010
AP NewsAlert
Efforts under way to make Web more accessible
Afghan official: 8 killed in suicide bombing
Motivational speaker accused in Las Vegas death
LG sets 3D TV target, to offer new lineup in 2010 |
Pakistan extends custody of US militant suspects
Australia, Japan want huge cuts in nuclear arsenals
Sun Micro wins intellectual property cases |
Microsoft suspends Juku after plagiarism claims |
NC mom sentenced for putting son in boiling water
China says asylum-seeking Uighurs suspected criminals
Obama to pitch energy-saving home remodeling
Official: Explosion kills 10 in central Pakistan
Blast near Pakistani minister's home
The nation's weather
US Senate nears health care bill with new compromises
20,000 evacuated as Philippine volcano oozes lava
AP sources: Ill. prison to get Gitmo detainees
Philippine clashes kill 9 rebels, 1 soldier
NEC Electronics, Renesas eye profit, cost cuts |
Obama to work to solidify support for health bill
Thousands flee as Philippine volcano spews lava
Obama touting home energy efficiency program
Female vets face homelessness, dearth of services
Pakistani rupee at record low; stocks lower on bomb
RPT-DEALTALK-Political hurdles may slow China-Taiwan bank M&A
China defends high-tech procurement rules: govt
FACTBOX-Five political risks to watch in Taiwan
S.Korea Nov LNG, coal imports up on year
Up in the Air, Nine lead Golden Globes |
EU group urges China to delay indigenous tech rule
Expert says drug traffickers recruiting from Iran
French rocker Hallyday wakes from coma
Polanski film in competition at Berlin festival |
Cameron lauds Fox for risking big bucks on Avatar |
The buddy cop genre lives again on `NCIS' spinoff
Barack Obama statue attacked by Facebook critics
Actors' techniques draw from rival sources |
Tiger Inc.'s image crash to make sponsors cautious
Patient countersues Indonesian private hospital
Costume exhibition celebrates Diaghilev's passion
Victims of Zimbabwe blitz struggle to build houses
Swastikas on the tree: how the Nazis stole Christmas
Golden Globe nominations don't ensure Oscar love
98-Year-Old Woman Charged With Murder Of 100-Year-Old Roomate
Police Auction Motorized Bar Stool
Edmonton Registers Record-Low Cold Weather
NJ Quadriplegic Wins Right To Operate 12-Gage Shotgun With Breathing Tube
Oklahoma Woman Arrested For Stealing Ambulance
Italian PM Berlusconi Suffers Broken Nose, Split Lip In Attack By Man With Statue
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01