Property developer Condev Property Developers has sparked fresh controversy after placing a disputed Kingsmead Road, Borrowdale property on the market for US$1.9 million while a High Court challenge over the land remains unresolved.
The property, previously advertised through Pam Golding, is now being marketed by Benjamin’s Realty.
The sale comes as Trauma Centre Hospital battles to block Condev from constructing a large office complex in the low-density residential suburb.
Vislink (Private) Limited, trading as Trauma Centre Hospital, together with Penelope Beattie, filed the High Court application against Condev Property Developers, the City of Harare, its director of urban planning, and Andrew Herbst.
The applicants argue the proposed development would pose serious risks to patients and staff at one of Harare’s leading emergency trauma facilities.
In an affidavit filed last June, hospital proprietor Vivek Solanki sought a review of the city’s decision to grant Condev a development permit on April 17 last year. He said objectors were never formally notified.
The applicants want the permit set aside, arguing it was irrational, grossly unreasonable and granted in bad faith in violation of the Administrative Justice Act.
Trauma Centre, which has operated since 2014 next to the site, says construction would directly disrupt hospital operations.
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Beattie said she has lived at 30 Kingsmead Road with her husband for the past 55 years.
Solanki said Kingsmead Road, which runs through Ballantyne Park and Borrowdale, is a predominantly residential area zoned for low-density housing.
He said the hospital had previously spent about US$120,000 installing a sewer line to connect to the City of Harare’s main line on Edinburgh Road in Pomona to secure its own change-of-use permit.
According to Solanki, Condev representatives approached him in October 2024 advising of plans to build offices on the two-acre property, which currently has a residential home.
He said the proposed project would house about 330 office workers across 16 units despite narrow roads, poor sewer infrastructure and unreliable municipal water supplies.
Several neighbouring residents also lodged objections.
Solanki said Condev published a notice in a local newspaper on October 15, 2024 seeking a permit, but objectors were later left in the dark over the approval process.
He said a meeting convened by the Local Government ministry later revealed a permit signed by a city official, but with plans allegedly different from those approved in May this year.
The applicants are seeking a provisional interdict to halt any development until the High Court review is finalised.
Solanki warned that allowing the project to proceed would severely damage the quality of life of residents in the neighbourhood.
