MP Makumire objects to Chiredzi Town Council’s agro-residential stands scheme

By Beatific GumbwandaChiredzi Central Member of Parliament Ropafadzo Makumire has lodged a sweeping formal objection to Chiredzi Town Council’s proposed Agro-Residential Stand allocation scheme, describing it as procedurally flawed, legally dubious and a threat to the town’s long-term spatial and economic development.CTC advertised 60 Agro-residential plots on a first come first served basis, which many adjudged as a cover up as the stands had already been allocated to most senior Zanu PF members in the Province.In a strongly-worded five-page letter dated 20 May 2026 and addressed to the Acting Town Secretary, Consider Kubiku, Makumire raised ten grounds of objection against the scheme.Makumire described the proposed scheme as inconsistent with the Chiredzi Town Council Housing Policy (2020), the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy (2020), and established principles of sound urban and regional planning, transparency, accountability, social inclusion, prudent public asset management and sustainable development.Makumire’s objection is the council’s abandonment of its own Housing Policy, which requires waiting lists, applicant assessment, structured adjudication mechanisms and oversight procedures when allocating stands.“The first come, first served allocation procedure fundamentally departs from the Council’s own Housing Policy which requires transparent allocation systems, waiting lists, applicant assessment and structured adjudication mechanisms,” wrote Makumire.Makumire further criticised the proposal for failing to indicate the use of the Housing Waiting List, selection interviews, allocation criteria, appeal procedures or oversight mechanisms, accusing the council of bypassing residents who had patiently complied with established procedures and remained on the waiting list for extended periods.Makumire reserved particularly sharp language for the council’s spatial planning rationale, questioning why prime land near the town centre was being converted into large agricultural plots.”The subject land lies within close proximity to the Chiredzi CBD and within one of the town’s strategic growth corridors,” he wrote, “Allocating plots ranging from 0.5 to 2 hectares within approximately five kilometres of the CBD was “inconsistent with efficient urban land utilisation and sustainable settlement planning principles.”Makumire argued that the land could instead accommodate medium-density housing, mixed-use developments, industrial estates, commercial precincts, institutional facilities and integrated urban neighbourhoods, warning that the low-density allocation compromises future planning options and economic opportunities.Makumire also raised alarm over the financial implications of the scheme for both the council and the broader public, warning of a pattern seen elsewhere in Zimbabwe where agro-residential plot beneficiaries eventually convert and subdivide land for profit.”Experience elsewhere demonstrates that beneficiaries of agro-residential allocations often acquire title, apply for change of use, subdivide land and realise substantial profits from the sale of urban stands,” he cautioned.“This would result in land value appreciation created by public planning decisions accruing to private individuals rather than Council and the broader community, effectively enriching a small number of beneficiaries at the expense of Chiredzi’s future development,” he added.Asked abot the objections by TellZim News, Kubiku, indicated that the local authority had received rejections, but could not ascertain the origin as he was out of office.“Yes we did its a hard copy, heard its in office will avail detail when i get back, I am currently away,” said Kubiku .