The Arlington East Residents Association has successfully approached the High Court to stop an adjacent housing development from using dynamite, after blasting operations caused cracks and structural damage to properties at one of Harare’s richest neighbourhoods.
The residents' association, represented by lawyers from Chipandire, Mavhaire and Zinto Law Chambers, filed an urgent chamber application for an interdict in terms of Rule 60 of the High Court Rules, 2021.
Their application cited the Dunowen Residents Association—a grouping of stand owners seeking to develop immovable properties—alongside project manager Gareth Palmer, the City of Harare, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and the chief inspector of explosives as respondents.
In their submissions, the Arlington East Residents Association told the court that its members have developed their stands into valuable properties, with each unit valued at no less than US$250 000.
The total value of the affected properties exceeds US$20 million. According to court papers, on July 31 and August 1 2026, members of the Dunowen Residents Association used dynamite during their development activities, causing cracking and damage to both immovable and movable property in the adjacent Arlington East neighbourhood.
Pictorial evidence submitted to the court identified Pepukai Nyandebvu (Stand 2907), Wilfred Tavagadza (Stand 3220), Trish W. Muzaza (Stand 2989), Andrew Mutsure (Stand 2988), and Mr F. Manyuchi as affected homeowners.
The residents argued that since the Dunowen development is ongoing, it was reasonable to assume blasting would continue until completion.
They warned that the continued use of dynamite could result in further substantial damage and the potential loss of life.
"The damage complained of happened in a space of less than 24 hours, yet many properties have been damaged," the applicants submitted.
"If not interdicted, all it takes is one more session of these explosions for properties to be damaged beyond repair or, in worse scenarios, to crumble to the ground and kill someone".
The association also argued that fixing even a single crack in a double-storey structure costs thousands of dollars, and that their members face pecuniary loss, loss of shelter, and the risk of injury without court intervention.
They maintained that the right to ownership, occupation, peaceful enjoyment of property, protection under the law, and the right to self-preservation in good health were all under threat.
High Court judge Justice Kashton Kachambwa granted interim relief pending determination of the matter.
The judge also ordered EMA, Palmer, the chief inspector of explosives, and the City of Harare to ensure compliance with this order.
The judge further ordered that the chief inspector of explosives shall ensure that no explosives are used contrary to the law pending determination of this application.
Finally, the judge ordered the Dunowen Residents Association to pay the costs of the suit.