Mzinyathini gardens housing project halted

Hundreds of home-seekers involved in the multi-million-dollar Mzinyathini Gardens housing project are facing uncertainty after the Umguza Rural District Council (RDC) ordered an immediate halt to all development works on the site, citing alleged non-compliance with planning regulations.

The ambitious project, hailed as a beacon of hope for both local and diaspora-based Zimbabweans seeking modern housing solutions, has been temporarily derailed, leaving many anxious about the future of their investments.

Mzinyathini Gardens is designed as a gated residential community spanning 11 development phases over 500 hectares of privately acquired land. The land was subdivided from a farm owned by Dr Gloria Mthupha and has attracted hundreds of buyers, many of whom have already begun construction or committed significant financial resources.

Project founder Mr Zazalizitha Khumalo expressed deep concern over the enforcement order issued by Umguza RDC, stating it had disrupted progress and shattered the dreams of numerous families.

"We have more than 11 phases, with the smallest comprising 40 stands and the largest about 50," he said. "We've submitted all required documentation and are willing to address any gaps. All we're asking is for clarity on which documents are not in order."

Mr Khumalo also raised concerns over communication challenges with Umguza RDC, saying repeated requests for a meeting with the council's CEO, Mr Colleen Moyo, have gone unanswered.

Prospective homeowners purchase stands priced between US$4,000 and US$5,050, with payment spread over 18 months. Buyers also contribute towards legal fees, title surveys, and change of ownership processes. The affordability and structure have drawn significant interest, particularly from Zimbabweans in the diaspora.

Among them is Mr Dumisani Ncube, an accountant based in the United Kingdom, who has invested over US$40,000 into the project.

"This is the first time I've considered investing back home in two decades, largely motivated by President Mnangagwa's call for Zimbabweans abroad to play a role in rebuilding the country," said Mr Ncube. "I want to come back to a comfortable life, and owning a home in Bulawayo is key to that. The stop-order is a major blow."

Construction at Mzinyathini Gardens had already commenced, with three architecturally approved show house models completed to offer prospective homeowners a choice of designs.

However, in a formal enforcement notice issued by Umguza RDC, CEO Mr Moyo cited Section 32 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12), ordering the immediate cessation of all development on the site and demanding that the land be restored to its original state within one month.

"You are hereby ordered to discontinue all operations and any use of the land or buildings thereon . . . cease all illegal development and remove all materials on site," reads the notice. "Vacate within a month from the publication of this Enforcement Order."

The move has left affected homeowners demanding accountability and swift resolution, fearing they may lose their hard-earned investments. Many have called for dialogue between the developers and local authorities to salvage the project and ensure compliance with legal frameworks.

Stakeholders are now urging the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to intervene and help mediate the standoff, given the scale of investment and the national significance of diaspora participation in housing development.