Bulawayo's Mzinyathini gardens housing project faces delays

The ambitious Kensington gated community estate in Bulawayo, known as Mzinyathini Gardens, is facing significant delays due to challenges in obtaining a crucial development permit from the Umguza Rural District Council (RDC). The setback has stalled progress on the upscale housing project, which promises to transform the region's housing market.
A Vision for Luxury Living

Located in the farming peri-urban area of Kensington, Mzinyathini Gardens is a four-phase housing project envisioned to host over 800 luxury homes. Spearheaded by a group of diaspora-based Zimbabweans, the project aims to provide a modern and secure living environment with features like gated access and controlled entry points.

While some demo homes have been built, large-scale construction is yet to begin as developers await regulatory approval.
Developers Frustrated by Bureaucracy

Zazalizitha Khumalo, co-founder of the project, expressed frustration over the delays caused by the Umguza RDC.

"We purchased the land from a private owner, and all transactions are above board. However, for nearly two years, we've been waiting for the development permit, without which we cannot proceed with large-scale construction. It's disheartening, especially for our diaspora beneficiaries who want to invest in building homes back home," Khumalo said.

The lack of a permit not only threatens the project's timeline but also raises concerns among potential homeowners, particularly those overseas, who fear regulatory complications could lead to demolitions like those seen in other parts of the country.
Calls for Accountability

Efforts to obtain clarity from Colleen Moyo, the Umguza RDC chief executive officer, were unsuccessful, as multiple requests for interviews went unanswered.

Meanwhile, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Umguza, has pledged to investigate the delays.

"This project has great potential to benefit the local community and the economy. We will look into why the necessary approvals have not been granted," he said.
An Appeal to Support Diaspora Investment

Khumalo highlighted the importance of diaspora investment, citing President Mnangagwa's calls for Zimbabweans abroad to contribute to national development.

"Many of us were inspired to invest back home after the President's encouragement. This project reflects our desire to create something meaningful, but the bureaucratic challenges are making it increasingly difficult," Khumalo added.

Mzinyathini Gardens was conceived by Khumalo and his former classmates from Mzinyathini High School, now based in South Africa, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Inspired by gated communities abroad, they sought to recreate that living experience in Zimbabwe, where such developments are rare and typically reserved for the elite.
Looking Ahead

The developers remain hopeful that the issue will be resolved to allow the project to progress. Once completed, Mzinyathini Gardens will not only provide housing but also set a new benchmark for modern, secure living in Bulawayo.

For now, potential homeowners and developers await decisive action from local authorities to unlock the project's full potential and restore confidence in investing back home.