Epworth- Harare’s Own Version of Kibera: Cases and consequences of Formal and Informal Settlements in Ward 5,6,7 of the town of Epworth.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue IV, April 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Epworth- Harare’s Own Version of Kibera: Cases and consequences of Formal and Informal Settlements in Ward 5,6,7 of the town of Epworth.

Kenneth T Mashonganyika
Adventist University of Africa, Kenya

Abstract: the increase in demand for housing not matching with housing delivery have been the major cause for growth of informal settlements in most urban areas especially on the peripheries of Harare. Epworth as the only settlement which the government accepted and recognized after independence as an informal settlement has seen a drastic increase in in population into the informal settlement which has resulted in vice, prostitution and child abuse. In 2005, the government embarked on operation Murambatsvina as a way to bring order in Harare by getting rid of illegal structures but this brought about suffering to a number of urban population as they were left homeless. This had a negative effect on the satellite town where those who were affected migrated to Epworth as people looked for what is termed to be cheap life and which became a hybrid of all vices. Poverty cases are very high in Epworth especially in Ward 5,6 and 7, which confines them to the absence of opportunities accompanied by high levels of malnourishment, illiteracy, hunger, lack of education, social instability relegating people to life below the poverty datum line. The Biblical adage of “can anything good come out of Nazareth” is typically a true example of Epworth; abject poverty in the order of life in this satellite town of Epworth.

I.INTRODUCTION

The mere mention of Epworth often evokes images of crime, drugs, prostitution, poverty, child abuse and filth Like the biblical Nazareth, many people think nothing good can come out of Epworth. But one has to give credit to the people of Epworth for the enduring human spirit that is evident there as people battle it, daily adversity as they try to get on with the business of life. The people of Epworth have their personal successes, dreams and hopes, too, like anybody else in the world – even though the odds are against them1.
Epworth: The Forgotten Suburb
However, it is a fact that the images associated with Epworth, although sometimes exaggerated, are not wholly misplaced. Epworth is located on the periphery of Harare in the South-East, the high-density township is to all intents and purposes a rudimentary settlement where just about everything goes – including houses, schools, shops – is an improvisation of some sort.2

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