Land sharks have started taking over protected areas like greenways and wetlands in Harare because of the government's urban building program. These people sell pieces of land to anyone wanting a home. They claim they act under the official densification plan launched by Winston Chitando, who served as Minister of Local Government and Public Works. The program began in October 2023 through Local Development Plan Number 20.
Many Harare citizens worry about how this program creates opportunities for corruption in land deals. Jaweet Maponga lived in Mabelreign for over 22 years before finding a greenway behind his house suddenly blocked off. He said they woke up one day to find the other end closed. Someone told them to harvest their crops quickly because the area had changed into a residential zone.
According to Harare city plans, these greenways existed to provide playgrounds and recreation spaces for nearby residents. The development plan changed them into housing plots to meet land demands. However, the distribution happens secretly, with land barons working alongside city officials to hand out land without following proper procedures.
Maponga explained that recently, a female police officer arrived boasting about acquiring the land through council allocation. She claimed the process had been made official, justifying her purchase of the property. These housing plots violate council rules on sanitation and create health dangers for the Mabelreign community.
The official announcement about densification says nothing about sewage systems or hygiene standards for houses built on greenways. Many new buildings lack proper sewer connections. Most use septic tanks placed dangerously close to water sources. Another resident named Innocent Chidaguro pointed out that these septic tanks near water sources contaminate underground water supplies.
Political connections play a major role in who receives land in Mabelreign. Land barons linked to the ruling party, Zanu PF, lead the distribution efforts. This creates tension with Ward 16 Independent Councillor Denford Ngadziore. Local Zanu PF members display party clothing as an authority when taking over land parcels.
Ngadziore stated that land barons abused the Mabelreign local plan by invading the land and constructing illegal buildings. He mentioned they chase away people building structures overnight. He confirmed that most land barons have political connections and use political pressure to scare residents.
The city council remains deeply involved despite denials. Edmore Nhekairo, Harare's Director of Housing, faces accusations of approving illegal invasions of greenways and allegedly endorsing housing projects without water or sewage systems. According to a recent Commission of Inquiry, council officials participate in corrupt land deals.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume denied his involvement but suggested the government should stop demolishing illegally built houses. He insisted anyone connecting his name to land grabs must stop immediately. He stressed he never authorized such activities and never will authorize them in the future.
The Harare city government loses millions in revenue because land barons pocket money from illegal stand sales. Mafume disagrees with central government policies as greenways fall into land barons' hands. Regular citizens feel trapped between opposing forces as land seizures continue without interruption. Maponga said they tried everything but received no help from their counselor, who claims the matter has already been settled.
Many Harare citizens worry about how this program creates opportunities for corruption in land deals. Jaweet Maponga lived in Mabelreign for over 22 years before finding a greenway behind his house suddenly blocked off. He said they woke up one day to find the other end closed. Someone told them to harvest their crops quickly because the area had changed into a residential zone.
According to Harare city plans, these greenways existed to provide playgrounds and recreation spaces for nearby residents. The development plan changed them into housing plots to meet land demands. However, the distribution happens secretly, with land barons working alongside city officials to hand out land without following proper procedures.
Maponga explained that recently, a female police officer arrived boasting about acquiring the land through council allocation. She claimed the process had been made official, justifying her purchase of the property. These housing plots violate council rules on sanitation and create health dangers for the Mabelreign community.
The official announcement about densification says nothing about sewage systems or hygiene standards for houses built on greenways. Many new buildings lack proper sewer connections. Most use septic tanks placed dangerously close to water sources. Another resident named Innocent Chidaguro pointed out that these septic tanks near water sources contaminate underground water supplies.
Political connections play a major role in who receives land in Mabelreign. Land barons linked to the ruling party, Zanu PF, lead the distribution efforts. This creates tension with Ward 16 Independent Councillor Denford Ngadziore. Local Zanu PF members display party clothing as an authority when taking over land parcels.
Ngadziore stated that land barons abused the Mabelreign local plan by invading the land and constructing illegal buildings. He mentioned they chase away people building structures overnight. He confirmed that most land barons have political connections and use political pressure to scare residents.
The city council remains deeply involved despite denials. Edmore Nhekairo, Harare's Director of Housing, faces accusations of approving illegal invasions of greenways and allegedly endorsing housing projects without water or sewage systems. According to a recent Commission of Inquiry, council officials participate in corrupt land deals.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume denied his involvement but suggested the government should stop demolishing illegally built houses. He insisted anyone connecting his name to land grabs must stop immediately. He stressed he never authorized such activities and never will authorize them in the future.
The Harare city government loses millions in revenue because land barons pocket money from illegal stand sales. Mafume disagrees with central government policies as greenways fall into land barons' hands. Regular citizens feel trapped between opposing forces as land seizures continue without interruption. Maponga said they tried everything but received no help from their counselor, who claims the matter has already been settled.
