HARARE residents are objecting to a proposal to convert a golf course in Hatfield to a residential area, claiming golf courses across the capital are under siege.
The objection follows a government notice announcing plans to transform the recreational space to 17 low-density residential stands, each measuring 2 000 square metres.
The dispute has reignited concerns over the steady loss of Harare’s green spaces. Residents and civic groups warn that recreational facilities, parks and open land are increasingly being targeted for housing development amid rising demand for urban land.
The Local Government and Public Works ministry recently issued a notice under section 49(4) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12), indicating its intention to consent to a change of reservation for the Remaining Extent of Lot 227, Hatfield Township.
The property is zoned for use as a golf course under the operative Waterfalls/Hatfield Local Development Plan Number 6.
The notice stated that full details of the application are available for public inspection at the chief director of spatial planning and development’s offices at Makombe Building.
The ministry invited interested parties and residents to submit comments on the proposed development.
Combined Harare Residents Association director Reuben Akili lodged objections to the proposal.
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“Golf courses are under siege in Harare and are being turned into residential stands. Remember, we have Sherwood golf courses and parks (that) are also being turned into residential stands,” Akili told NewsDay.
“Residential stands are not the only form of development in Harare; we need recreational facilities as well."
He said residents’ fears were rooted in the painful history of land barons operating with impunity across the country’s urban centres.
Land barons have illegally parcelled out open spaces, wetlands and recreational facilities for residential development, often leaving home buyers with worthless claims and no services.
Harare has witnessed multiple scandals in which land barons, sometimes in collusion with council officials, allocated stands on golf courses, school fields and in cemeteries.
The government has repeatedly launched crackdowns, yet the practice persists, with many green spaces permanently lost to chaotic settlements.
Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba warned that if the development proceeds, it will worsen service delivery in the capital. He noted that the golf course serves as both a recreational facility and a greenway.
"It is a clear environmental issue and the government is ignoring it at the national level. This is a greenway and if they create these stands, it will worsen service delivery," Shumba said.
"These golf courses are meant to be refreshers for sportspeople. Where are these golfers going to go? This is where businesspeople network and people retreat and re-energise."
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume refused to comment, saying it is a State-owned golf course.
No comment could be obtained from the Local Government ministry.
