HARARE residents have petitioned the city council over the controversial parcelling out of open spaces for residential infill stands without following due process or public consultation.
In a petition addressed to mayor Jacob Mafume, residents of Mabvuku’s ward 21 expressed grave concern over the “persistent grabbing and conversion” of designated breathing spaces to residential stands.
They warned that the move is destroying critical community infrastructure, including boreholes drilled under the Presidential Scheme.
“The land in question is officially designated as community breathing space intended for environmental protection, recreational use and drainage buffers,” the petition read.
“Unauthorised construction is currently taking place in the Simudzai Area, in direct violation of approved land-use zoning.”
They are demanding a full investigation under section 100 of the Urban Councils Act, full disclosure of council minutes authorising the land-use changes and an urgent community meeting with local officials.
The petitioners said the open space serves as a critical access route for schoolchildren attending Simudzai Primary School.
It also hosts community boreholes, including those drilled under the Presidential Borehole Scheme, which have become a vital alternative water source in a city plagued by severe supply challenges.
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“We are worried the construction threatens to damage or restrict access to these boreholes without providing alternatives, in violation of the constitutional right to water and a healthy environment,” the residents added.
They further warned that blocking drainage systems within the breathing space exposes the area to flooding and waterborne disease outbreaks.
Combined Harare Residents Association director Reuben Akili said similar issues were unfolding in Glen View, where bouncers have allegedly been hired to protect builders as residents resist construction.
“The planning department has let residents down. These boreholes were installed before the allocation of these infill stands,” Akili said.
“Investments by donors and government are going down the drain as community boreholes are being removed. The local authority is spearheading a disaster.”
Mafume said the matter would be investigated.
“We are looking into the matter,” he told NewsDay when contacted for comment.
“It is council’s priority that such land be reserved for sports grounds and recreational facilities among others.”
