By Correspondent
Norton Councillors are divided over the direction to take following the expiry of Maparahwe Properties’ development permit for Kingsdale with allegations of some having been ‘bought’.
Maparahwe Properties’ development permit for the area expired this year and a decision has to be made.
However, some Councillors are of the opinion that Maparahwe should have its permit renewed.
Others are adamant that the developer has failed and should be booted out.
“The development permit issued to Maparahwe Properties expired and councillors are divided over the renewal of the development permit.
“It seems the old guard councillors prefer renewing the Maparahwe Properties development permit unconditionally.
“This has raised suspicions that they might have been bribed with stands,” a source said.
Meanwhile new Councillors, who got into Council after the 2023 elections, prefer cancelling the Maparahwe development permit.
They argue that it has failed to complete the project in the prescribed timeframe.
Instead they argue that Norton Town Council (NTC) should take over.
However, NTC says it has no capacity for the Kingsdale project.
“But this is baffling the residents.
“Residents feels that after acquiring a range of modern equipment such as bulldozers, front-end loaders, JCB’s NTC should manage the project.
“Council has better equipment compared to the redundant equipment which Maparahwe has,” he said.
Recently Councillor Mazai, who leads Kingsdale and Norton MP Richard Tsvangirai met with the residents over the issue.
Tsvangirai has since promised to engage Maparahwe over the matter.
A team which includes the Cllr and local residents organisation will be part of the negotiations.
