By Correspondent
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s name has been dragged into a scandal in which over 300 St Martins residents who bought stands from Council in 2019 face massive losses.
The residents have been directed to vacate the area with allegations that new occupants, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, are using his office as muscle.
Harare Council is selling the same piece of land to the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC).
“The City of Harare has noted with grave concern that you are undertaking unauthorised developments on the above-mentioned property.
“(This is) in contravention of the City of Harare Planning By-Laws and other applicable statutory provisions.
“You are hereby directed to cease all ongoing development activities and to restore the property to its original condition.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the City of Harare exercising its statutory’ powers to enforce compliance,” Acting Director of Planning Samuel Nyabezi wrote.
Conflict
However, St Martins residents, adjacent Airport Road in Harare, have expressed shock at the move.
They allege that they were sold the land by the Council.
The residents allege that there has been name-dropping with VP Chiwenga alleged to be backing the ZCBC takeover.
“People have already started building, and contractors are working on sewer and water connections.
“Now, we are being told that the Vice President, Rtd. Dr. C.D.G.N. Chiwenga, who is Catholic, is pushing for the land to be transferred to the Catholic University for a project called a Medical Hub.
“The Pay Scheme holds documented rights and interests in this land, supported by official records held by the City of Harare.
“(These) include District Officer, the Housing Director’s Office and other relevant authorities.
“These records include offer letters and agreements of sale.
“Members have also paid the full intrinsic value of the land,” they said.
The Chairman of the St Martins residents, David Jenje said many residents were already occupying their stands.
“Many beneficiaries have commenced development, with several already occupying their homes.
“Contracts have been entered into with contractors for road, sewer and water reticulation.
“Materials have been delivered to the site, all with the full knowledge and consent of the City of Harare.
“Some of the development work is already underway, and the stands have been surveyed by the City of Harare,” he added.
Double-Dipping Council
Documents seen by Open Council show that residents bought the stands for US$12,000 each.
Harare Council surveyed the land in 2022 and has also been keeping some of the development material at its Remembrance Offices on behalf of the residents.
In November 2022, the residents wrote to Council complaining about some of their material which had gone missing at Council offices.
“May you kindly acknowledge our missing developmental material and take full formal responsibility in writing.
In April 2023 Council acknowledged the issue and promised to acquire the missing material.
“Please be advised that this department has prepared a report to Council seeking authority to replace the missing materials once Council accede to the request.
“You will be advised on the way forward,” Director of Housing and Community Services Sithole said to them.
However, nothing of significance happened from 2023, leading to further correspondence from residents asking Council about the way forward.
“We note with grave concern that our project is not moving with speed.
“(This is) despite residents having contributed towards development fees and acquiring the necessary materials.
“It has been 4 years since the project started, and residents have paid their intrinsic land value.
However, Council did not respond to the letter until last week, when it ordered the residents to vacate the area.
The General’s Touch
On its part Harare City Council is currently vulnerable as it received a directive from the Ministry of Local Government.
“This letter follows the several meetings conducted and chaired by the Honourable Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Rtd. Dr. C.D.G.N. Chiwenga.
“(This is) in respect of the proposed medical hub to be established in the area as defined above.
“Following the last meeting held on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, at which the handover of the land was discussed.
“I hereby formally request Council to immediately facilitate freeing up of all encumbrances on the property and to urgently transfer same to Government.
Government has promised to provide alternative land to Council.
“Government will compensate City of Harare with 36 hectares of land at Kimcote Farm.
“In due course, valuations may be conducted to ensure fair value of compensation.
“Given the urgency of this matter, may you expedite the transfer so that the project may take off.”
However, St Martins residents have vowed to fight the move at the courts.
