PUNGWE Chimurenga Housing Co-operative has dismissed allegations of illegal land invasions in Hunyani constituency, insisting that its operations are lawful and fully compliant with all statutory requirements.
The co-operative recently came under criticism from some Zanu PF officials and local leaders, who accused it of illegally parcelling out land near the Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant and operating without the necessary approvals.
However, co-operative officials have described the allegations as false and misleading, maintaining that they possess all the required documentation and approvals for the development.
Responding to the allegations, Pungwe Chimurenga Housing Co-operative secretary Nyasha Kandenge said the organisation possesses all the required approvals and documentation for the land in question, known as the Remainder of Eyecourt.
“We have all the relevant documents and clearances from the responsible authorities regarding the land in question, the Remainder of Eyecourt,” he said.
“Our operations are above board and fully compliant with government regulations.”
Kandenge explained that the land forms part of the Eyecourt Subdivision and should not be mistaken for an illegal settlement.
“The area we are talking about forms part of the Eyecourt Subdivision and is known as the Remainder of Eyecourt.
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“It falls within Hunyani constituency, while the larger portion of the subdivision is in Harare South constituency.
“Everything has been done in accordance with the law and with the knowledge of the relevant authorities.”
According to Kandenge, the co-operative secured approvals from key regulatory bodies, including Harare City Council, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Forestry Commission and other government departments.
“We have complied with all requirements from CAAZ, EMA, the Forestry Commission and other relevant institutions,” he said.
“These approvals were not issued overnight. They followed thorough assessments and consultations.”
Documents seen by NewsDay include correspondence between the co-operative and various statutory bodies, among them a letter confirming the numbering of residential stands signed by then acting director for urban planning at Harare City Council, Samuel Nyabeza.
Further documentation shows that on December 1, 2025, then chief director of spatial planning and development Shingirayi Mushamba, acting on behalf of the permanent secretary in the Local Government and Public Works ministry, approved the layout plan for the Remainder of Eyecourt.
A development permit was subsequently issued to Pungwe Chimurenga Housing Co-operative on December 2, 2025.
The co-operative accused certain individuals of deliberately spreading misinformation in an attempt to frustrate its operations.
“We are not land barons. We are legitimate land developers and we are not parcelling out land in the manner being alleged,” Kandenge said.
“In the Remainder of Eyecourt, we only have 34 residential stands for home seekers whom we could not accommodate within the main Eyecourt development.”
Kandenge also singled out Zanu PF Masango district war veterans chairperson Simbarashe Chimbi, accusing him of attempting to destabilise the project.
“It is unfortunate that certain individuals are trying to create confusion and tarnish the image of the co-operative,” he said.
“We believe that Simbarashe Chimbi is causing unnecessary chaos in the area while at the same time illegally parcelling out land.”
He added that the co-operative remained committed to operating within the law and would continue engaging relevant authorities to ensure transparency and orderly development.
Other co-operative members echoed Kandenge’s sentiments, expressing surprise at being labelled land barons despite having followed what they described as all the required legal procedures before commencing operations.
Kandenge maintained that the co-operative was established more than 20 years ago to facilitate organised housing development and provide opportunities for home seekers, rather than engage in unlawful land allocations.
He challenged their accusers to produce evidence supporting claims that it is operating illegally, insisting that all relevant documentation is available for inspection by the appropriate authorities.
