Harare Council pumps raw sewage into Lake Chivero

Harare residents are raising alarm over an elaborate scheme involving corrupt city council officials that is leading to the loss of properties and stands. In the latest scandal, four residents in Mabvuku have lost their land under questionable circumstances.

The controversy centers on stand 46 Marembo Street, Mabvuku, where long-time leaseholders have been evicted to make way for the allocation of two new residential stands. This has occurred despite the affected individuals, such as Mr. Mofolo Makasa and Mrs. Maggie Mazonde, having valid lease agreements and maintaining up-to-date payments on council bills.

Efforts by Mr. Makasa to settle his current bill have highlighted inconsistencies. When attempting to pay at Mabvuku offices, he was informed that his account had been closed. However, the same payment was successfully processed at the council's Augustinho Neto Avenue offices, with receipt number 14641678. On visiting the site, it was discovered that new occupants had started construction activities, destroying existing boundaries, including a hedge and gate.

Alarmingly, one of the new constructions has encroached on two stands, damaging council boundary pegs. Harare City Council Region 5 Manager, Mrs. Faith Raradza, and Mabvuku District Officer Addmore Guzha have acknowledged the irregularities and promised corrective measures, though progress remains unclear. Meanwhile, Mabvuku Ward 21 Councillor Alexio Nyakudya has been unresponsive.

In a letter to Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, Mr. Makasa expressed frustration over the lack of eviction notices and accused council officials of colluding with a land baron known as Jacob Jackson, who allegedly boasts strong ties to the council. "As you may be aware, I have held the lease for this land since 1992 and have consistently paid my rates. I have not received any formal notice regarding the sale or transfer of this property," Mr. Makasa stated.

Mr. Makasa has made numerous attempts to resolve the matter through legal channels and engagements with local officials but has seen no progress. "The illegal occupants continue their construction activities undisturbed, causing significant damage and undermining my legal rights as a leaseholder," he said, urging the Mayor's office to intervene urgently.

Similarly, Mrs. Mazonde, another affected resident, voiced her distress over the situation. "I am in pain. Despite paying our council bills faithfully, we are now being treated unfairly. I raised my family here, and now I'm being forced out without justification," she lamented.

The situation has sparked outrage in the Mabvuku community, with calls for accountability from city officials. Residents demand immediate investigations into the alleged corruption and for measures to protect leaseholders from unjust evictions.

This scandal underscores growing concerns about corruption within Harare's city council, where powerful individuals exploit their positions to benefit from public land. Transparency and decisive action are being urged to restore trust and ensure justice for affected residents.