HARARE, Apr. 16 (NewsDay Live) - Tensions are rising in Glen View 3 as residents move to block the construction of a commercial building on a long-standing community park, accusing the City of Harare of enabling “lawlessness” and corruption.
The dispute follows the sudden arrival of developers who reportedly began felling trees and clearing land at a recreational space near Glen View 3 Shopping Centre.
The development has sparked outrage among residents, who say it is being pushed through without public consultation.
The backlash comes amid accusations of selective enforcement by the City of Harare. Residents cite the recent, swift demolition of “illegal structures” at Mabelreign Shopping Centre as evidence of a double standard.
“While the Mayor and council acted swiftly in Mabelreign, lawlessness is being allowed to flourish here,” said Precious Shumba, the Harare Residents Trust executive director.
“This invasion of our park is unacceptable.”
Efforts to resolve the standoff have stalled. Shumba said the local officials have been reluctant to convene a meeting between the community and the developer.
A council official reportedly claimed that the project stems from a council management directive beyond the control of local offices, and that the park’s land-use designation was changed in 2010.
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Shumba, however, say they have no record of any public consultation on a land-use change and insist the site has always been a public space maintained by the City.
The park has long served as a vital green space for the suburb, providing a safe environment for children, youth and the elderly to socialise, relax and escape domestic pressures.
The community has signalled plans to challenge the development through legal action and civil protest. Suspicions of corruption remain high, with residents arguing that only graft could explain the conversion of a public asset into a private building site without oversight.
Residents say they will stage protests to protect the remaining green space, demanding an immediate halt to construction pending verification of the project’s legality.
