Harare public spaces turned into residential developments

HARARE is facing a growing crisis over the loss of recreational land to residential developments, with residents, councillors and civic groups warning that public spaces intended for sports and community activities are increasingly being converted into housing stands.

The development has reignited concerns over the influence of land barons and allegations of irregular land allocation practices within the capital, amid reports that some individuals are resisting council efforts to halt the encroachment on public recreational facilities.

Residents and community leaders say the problem has become widespread across several suburbs, depriving communities of vital open spaces while raising questions about planning processes and transparency at the local authority.

Sources familiar with the issue alleged that some land barons were operating with the assistance of officials within the City of Harare's planning department.

"There is no way a land baron will come and build on a recreational facility without some form of approval or assistance. It is very clear they are working with some council officials in the planning department," a source claimed.

In Warren Park, residents say land originally reserved for sporting and recreational purposes is now under threat.

Local resident Willard Nyambiya alleged that a site designated for basketball and tennis courts, together with surrounding recreational land, had been earmarked for other developments without adequate consultation.

"We have a basketball and tennis court meant for multipurpose recreational activities and surrounding open space which has been grabbed," Nyambiya said.

"There are already churches there and residents have not been informed about any change of use."

The concerns come as Harare City Council recently adopted a resolution aimed at protecting recreational facilities from being converted into residential stands.

Chairperson of the council's Sports, Recreation and Arts Committee, Councillor Stanley Manyenga, confirmed that councillors had taken a firm position against the continued loss of public recreational land.

"We passed a resolution last month that we should stop the grabbing of recreational facilities for residential stands in Harare, and we have realised that some recreational facilities have already been regularised," Manyenga said.

"It is sad that in some instances you can go to a recreational facility and there are already houses built."

He said investigations were underway into recent developments reported in Warren Park 1, where there are allegations of plans to establish churches, garages and other structures on land originally reserved for recreation.

Civic organisations have also expressed concern over what they describe as a systematic erosion of public spaces across the city.

Combined Harare Residents Association director Reuben Akili said the conversion of recreational facilities into housing developments had become increasingly common.

"The issue of turning recreational facilities or public open spaces into housing stands is not only peculiar to Warren Park. It has become a trend across the city," Akili said.

He accused the local authority of failing to adequately consult residents before approving changes to land use.

"The planning department at council is not transparent and has not been engaging residents. It appears council has accelerated the occupation and parcelling out of residential stands on recreational facilities, and our complaints have largely fallen on deaf ears," he said.

Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba echoed those concerns, arguing that weak enforcement and inadequate public consultation were contributing to the problem.

"The City of Harare is allowing changes of reservation in some areas without transparently communicating with surrounding residents and giving them an opportunity to object," Shumba said.

"Land barons have also been at the forefront of invading council land and creating their own residential stands."

Urban planning experts warn that the continued loss of recreational spaces could have long-term consequences for communities, particularly in high-density suburbs where access to parks, sports facilities and public open spaces is already limited.

Recreational facilities provide important social, health and developmental benefits, serving as venues for sport, leisure, youth development and community interaction.

Observers say their disappearance not only diminishes the quality of life for residents but also undermines efforts to create sustainable and liveable urban environments.

The latest allegations are likely to intensify pressure on Harare City Council to strengthen oversight of public land, improve transparency in planning decisions and ensure that recreational facilities are protected for future generations.