3. 3.1 Scope, Extent and Impact of the Operation Introduction Operation Restore Order started on or about 17 May 2005. Still underway as the mission left Zimbabwe on 9 July 2005, it has affected a wide cross-section of Zimbabwe’s urban and rural population. Initially targeted at street vendors and those operating in the informal urban economy, the Operation rapidly extended to the demolition of informal and formal settlements, and small and medium enterprises countrywide. Although a cross-section of the population was affected, the poor and disadvantaged are the worst off. They include those who lost their homes, those who lost their livelihoods, and those who lost both. 3.2 Scope and Extent of the Operation The Operation has had a major economic, social, political and institutional impact on Zimbabwean society. The effects will be felt for many years to come, across all four dimensions. In social terms, the Operation has rendered people homeless and destitute, and created humanitarian and developmental needs that will require significant investment and assistance over several years. Economically, substantial housing stock has been destroyed, and the informal sector has virtually been wiped out, rendering individuals and households destitute. Local municipalities that used to collect taxes from informal traders have now lost this source of income. In political terms, the Operation has exacerbated an already tense and polarized climate characterized by mistrust and fear. It has resulted in a virtual breakdown in dialogue between Government and civil society. Institutionally, the Operation was conducted by central Government authorities, including the military, in an area that legally falls under the purview of local government. 3.2.1 Methodological considerations The full scope and extent of the Operation cannot yet be determined or assessed with any degree of certainty, and perhaps never will. Firstly, the Operation was still underway as the mission left the country. Secondly, no independent and systematic assessment has been carried out. Thirdly, organizations involved in enumeration were using different methods and focusing on different but overlapping groups. The mission was able to draw on four sources of information on the number of people affected. The first source is comprised of data collected by the United Nations Country Team (UNCT). Based on effective demand for assistance, it does not include people who have found temporary shelter with, for example, relatives. Nor does it include those unable to get assistance or having sought assistance from parties that are not in contact with the UNCT.45 These figures are considered low-end estimates and are presented in various sections dealing with sectoral issues. The second source of information includes reports from special interest groups and membership organisations. These figures are considered high-end estimates owing to overlaps in enumeration. They are presented as part of the testimonials in this report. 45 Mobility is highly restricted owing to nation-wide shortages of fuel for transport. 31