Harare citizens will pay for compensation after city officials wrongly approved a building that extends onto Alpes Road in the Vainona suburb. The double-story structure stands too close to the road, making it impossible to build a proper wall or provide parking. City planning director Samuel Nyabezi admitted that staff failed to check plans properly before stamping approvals. The total compensation amount remains unknown at this time.
According to Nyabezi, building inspectors approved plans without comparing them to actual site conditions. The nearly finished structure measures about 35 meters by 15 meters and has office spaces upstairs. It sits less than four meters from the main road and has a plumbing pipe between it. The owner, Allen Shonhiwa, claims he received no formal demolition notice from officials.
Shonhiwa bought the land 15 years ago but delayed development. He argues that commercial buildings have different requirements than homes. Mayor Jacob Mafume previously called the structure an eyesore on social media. Resident groups want those responsible to face the consequences of their mistakes.
Resident Munyaradzi Mudimu pointed out safety concerns with the building extending onto road space. Another citizen, Caroline Kamanga, questioned how the structure passed inspections. The city council appears ready to demolish it despite having previously approved the plans.
According to Nyabezi, building inspectors approved plans without comparing them to actual site conditions. The nearly finished structure measures about 35 meters by 15 meters and has office spaces upstairs. It sits less than four meters from the main road and has a plumbing pipe between it. The owner, Allen Shonhiwa, claims he received no formal demolition notice from officials.
Shonhiwa bought the land 15 years ago but delayed development. He argues that commercial buildings have different requirements than homes. Mayor Jacob Mafume previously called the structure an eyesore on social media. Resident groups want those responsible to face the consequences of their mistakes.
Resident Munyaradzi Mudimu pointed out safety concerns with the building extending onto road space. Another citizen, Caroline Kamanga, questioned how the structure passed inspections. The city council appears ready to demolish it despite having previously approved the plans.
