The long-running dispute over the Elmswood Farm housing project in Marondera has taken a dramatic turn, with the local municipality now accused of approaching several government departments in an attempt to regularise the development — despite the matter being before the High Court.
War veteran John Fadzisayi Jani dragged Marondera Municipality to court after the local authority allegedly parcelled out residential stands on the 46.8-hectare Elmswood Farm without following proper procedures.
Sources close to the case told this publication that council officials recently sought the intervention of Local Government minister Daniel Garwe as they attempted to obtain approval in retrospect for the contested housing project.
“Council is now running around trying to get the paperwork in order, but this is happening long after stands were already allocated,” the source said.
“They have approached several departments, including the Local Government ministry, hoping to get documents that authenticate the project. It’s a case of putting the cart before the horse.”
According to insiders, officials from the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry have maintained that Jani is the legitimate owner of Elmswood and have been resisting attempts to sanitise the municipality’s actions.
Interestingly, it has also emerged that Jani has been courting foreign investors who are willing to pour money into transforming Elmswood into a multi-billion-dollar cyber city, a development that could completely change the land’s future if the court rules in his favour.
“The Lands officers have been very clear — Jani is the bona fide owner of the property,” the source added.
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“They believe due process must be followed, and that includes waiting for the courts to make a determination.”
Speaking to this publication, Jani said he remainedconfident that justice will prevail.
“All I want is fairness,” he said.
“I trust the courts to carry out their duty without fear or favour.
“This land was allocated to me legally, and I will continue to defend my rights.”
Meanwhile, Jani said his vision to transform Elmswood Farm into a multi-billion-dollar cyber city remained firmly on track.
Jani revealed that foreign investors backing the proposed cyber city have already begun preparations for the project’s first phase.
He said the project aligns with national development priorities and could be a major contributor to Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
“Vision 2030 can only be achieved through determination and visionary people,” Jani said.
“The Third Chimurenga is about making Zimbabwe a better place to live. We envisage a future where Zimbabweans in the diaspora come back home to find jobs and competitive packages comparable to developed countries.”
Jani said the planned cyber city — a modern, technology-driven economic hub — is expected to create 15 000 jobs, absorbing both skilled and unskilled workers.
“The investors I’m working with are ready to roll out the first phase, and they have already asked me to compile a list of workers,” he said.
“This fight with the municipality has actually been a blessing in disguise because it has shown investors how determined we are. This project will leave no one and no place behind.”
More than 30 war veterans, who own farms in Mashonaland East Province are expected to benefit from the Elmswood Farm project as investors are willing to support them with capital and exports of farm produce.
Sources close to the matter said a recent development may further strengthen Jani’s case. The Marondera Rural District Council reportedly wrote to Jani requesting that he settle outstanding arrears on Elmswood Farm — a move insiders say undermines Marondera Municipality’s claim to the land.
“The rural district council’s letter effectively acknowledges Jani as the one responsible for the land,” a source said.
“That alone weakens the municipality’s contestation in court.”
The High Court is expected to hear the matter in mid-January, a date that could prove decisive for both the municipality and hundreds of prospective home seekers who had already been allocated stands on the land.
