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week’s ordeal.
According to residents, there is no better option than to put back their structures.
When The Herald visited the site yesterday evening, scores of residents could be seen help­ing in the reconstruction of the structures.
“We need somewhere to stay and we have come back to build even though we are not sure of what tomorrow brings,” said mother of two Mrs Alice Mukandatsaka.
She said they had since resorted to rebuild­ing the houses because their relatives had failed to accommodate them. “My family was at a rel­ative’s but our belongings had to stay outside, it was terrible as we had to guard them from thieves throughout the night,” she said.
Mr Arnold Mukwanda said he had tried to rent a place but had realised later that he could not pay high rentals.
Landlords have since raised rentals from US$15 to US$30 per room.
“I need two rooms but cannot afford to pay US$60 as I am unemployed. Before the demolitions, I had no bill to pay and only had to fend for my food only. Now it is a complete disaster,” he said.
The residents urged Government to intervene.
“The rains might just come back as they did on that fateful day, further soaking our furniture, if the land is really ours ,shouldn’t Government do something about it?” queried Mr Collen Muzowa.
The residents said Sunway City had not given them enough time to find a solution to their problem.
Sunway City general manager Mr Kwaku Dzvukamanja said he could not comment.
“I cannot give you a comment because I am not aware of what you have seen. Besides, I have to consult with my seniors first,” he said.
The Epworth local board could not be reached for comment.
Due to rural-urban migration and the economic challenges of recent years major cities have had to battle with illegal structures resulting in the sprouting of squatter settlements near residential areas.