Kimberly Kusauka
In a move that has been regarded as a breach of the Urban Councils Act, Masvingo City Council reportedly sold un-serviced 1.3 hectares of commercial land to N. Richards and Company along Charumbira Road where the local authority has earmarked for the expansion of the Central Business District (CBD).
The revelation came out during a full council meeting held on January 31, 2022 where Masvingo Mayor Councilor Collen Maboke questioned the management on the developmental status of the new site after which the matter popped up.
“What happened to the land we heard was sold to N.Richards and Company along Charumbira road? As we might know the law does not allow the sale of unserviced land so as council management you are supposed to be aware of the likely consequences thereof. ( Kana makatengesa mutemo munouziva uye shamhu yacho munoiona: (If you sold the land, you know what the law says and be prepared for the consequences),” said Mayor Maboke.
During the full council meeting, Acting Town Clerk Vitalis Shonhai failed to give a clear response to the accusations that council illegally sold un-serviced land to N. Richards and company.
“We made the arrangement so that we could service the area using the proceeds from the sale,” replied Shonhai.
When contacted for clarity after full council meeting, Maboke, However, seemed to change goal posts and said it was an arrangement agreed upon by council to sell that land.
“There was a special arrangement for the selling of that land, we will service it,” said Maboke.
When contacted for comment, Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa who was not present during the full council meeting said the land was already serviced.
“Council sold a 1.3 hectare commercial stand to N. Richards and Company with roads and sewer services. Council is in the process of installing water services before developments start on that land.
“A mega shop is to be established consisting of hardware, grocery whole sale, liquor wholesale among others,” said Eng Mukaratirwa.
However some time in 2021, Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing July Moyo was quoted in state media reminding local authorities to desist from selling unserviced land.
“The law is very clear: If you are an urban council, land should be serviced properly before it is sold,” said Moyo.
Commenting on the issue raised by Auditor General, Mildred Chiri’s report of 2019 that council was operating without a lease register resulting in mobile telecommunication operator Econet Wireless allegedly using many council base stations without proper revenue collection systems, Eng Mukaratirwa said everything is in order.
“Council Lease Register (2) are now in place being maintained by office of the Chamber Secretary and Director of Housing and Social Services. Some of the properties have arrears and follow ups have been made. In some circumstances, eviction orders are being sought,” said Eng Mukaratirwa.
Responding to the issue of leases on council owned property Eng Mukaratirwa said leases are up to date.
“For council owned farms, standard farms have one lessee each and they are up to date with their obligations. The choice of these lessees was through a tendering process,” said Eng Mukaratirwa.
The issue of council-owned property being ‘abused’ or leased without following due processes was also raised during the same meeting where councillors quizzed management on the criteria used to determine the tenants being given the green light to use council-owned properties.
