By Correspondent
When Knockmalloch in Norton, was announced by former Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere in 2016 it was supposed to be a break from the norm.
Having experienced carnage in nearby Kingsdale, Government removed private land developers from the equation.
Instead, it incorporated the Urban Development Corporation (UDCORP) as the lead vehicle.
The Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) and Shelter Afrique were reported as funding partners.
They would provide funding of on-site and off site infrastructure for the proposed areas.
The project was a massive hit with civil servants and other low income earners.
Since the stands had no agreed total price at that time customers had to deposit between US$1 500 and US$3 000.
However, that absence of a total cost for the land should have been a warning enough.
Carnage All Over Again
Nearly a decade later, there is next to nothing to show at Knockmalloch.
Those who deposited their money are up in arms as they feel duped.
Only 51 houses, owned by the National Building Society (NBS), have been completed and handed over to mortgage beneficiaries.
In 2018 UDCORP fixed the price at US$38 per square metre and demanded that full payment be done within a year.
In case of failure, one would lose their stand!
UDCORP promised to refund part of the deposits, after subtracting administration costs in Zimbabwe dollars.
With the exchange rate arbitrarily fixed at 1:1 it was a massive heist.
Clients who could no longer afford the stands were set for a massive loss.
Various efforts by the stand-owners to foment some progress and occupy their land has been futile.
Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa tried but his overtures towards UDCORP also failed to yield results.
Agrippa Mutandiro, who deposited his money around 2018 says he only wishes to occupy his stand.
“So many issues have been raised but we simply want to be able to erect our cottages.
“I cannot continue leasing a house elsewhere after all the money I spend for that stand.
However, UDCORP has allegedly refused to allow them to occupy the stand until all development have been completed.
A visit to the area however reflects a project in limbo.
“One would have thought UDCORP would perform better than private land developers.
“However, it appears the same weakness is everywhere,” says one Matombo, another victim.
Funding Challenges
On its part UDCORP has been citing challenges with funding to complete the servicing of the stands.
Previously, people have complained at the charges levied by UDCORP as too exorbitant.
Udcorp usually levys commissions ranging from 1,5 percent to 3,5 percent of the projects’ total cost.
However, that hasn’t been enough to raise funds for the project.
In 2023 Udcorp was reportedly courting local Pension Funds to invest in the Knockmalloch project.
It offered them the opportunity to purchase a 41,7-hectare piece of semi-developed prime land for US$12 per square metre.
The offered land is suitable for individual stands, cluster homes or high-rise flats.
Other investment opportunities peddled by the entity include fully serviced individual stands ranging from 200-2 000 square metres priced at US$38 per square metre.
According to Udcorp Chief Executive Officer Joey Shumbamhini payments can be done over 3 years.
Still, the uptake has been poor and the project remains caught in limbo.
Zimnat Pensions Fund which was rumoured to have grabbed the opportunity, later denied making that deal.
This has created a stalemate.
