Gwanda home seekers cry foul

Home seekers in Gwanda are up in arms with the local authority after it engaged a private developer to service stands which has resulted in exorbitant fees being charged.

The municipality of Gwanda has released 320 stands and contracted Moniph Land Developers to service land near Spitzkop medium.

The 300m2 stands are going for $5 800, this includes an initial deposit of $1000 with the balance of $4 800 being paid over two years in monthly installments of $200.

Council is reportedly entitled to 30% of the cost price.

Residents who spoke to Bulawayo24 said they will not be taking up the stands as they are too expensive.

"With the salaries we are getting as civil servants we are obviously not able to part with $200 monthly let alone raise the required deposit," said a police officer who requested anonymity.

Council says it had to engage a private land developer as it does not have the capacity to service the stands.

"The municipality does not have enough funds to service the land as it is a very expensive exercise, that is why we engaged a private partner," said Councilor Thulani Moyo who chairs the health and housing committee.

Many residents have in the past been swindled by private land developers who disappear after receiving deposits.