Architects told The Zimbabwean that they expect the opulent structure, whose interior furnishings are mostly imported, to cost more than $1million on completion.
The structure is going up at a time when residents of Hatcliffe, where Chiroto is councillor, are furious that they have gone for months without clean running water.
The deputy mayor, whose wife was murdered by Zanu (PF) militia in 2008, says all the councillors received the stands and there was nothing amiss.
"Check with the Housing Director, everything is above board," he said.
Chiroto denies allegations by the Harare Residents Trust that he looted public funds to finance his new-found lavish lifestyle. But Trust coordinator, Precious Shumba, wants an official probe.
“Our challenge is that when Mr Chiroto got into office he did not have anything. He was staying in Hatcliffe, but now he is living beyond his means since councillors’ salaries do not exceed $200,” he said.
Under the GNU-led anti-corruption drive, several MDC party officials have been arrested on graft charges, but the party has been quick to dismiss the allegations as "trumped-up". There is growing concern that the MDC officials have used their two and half years in the GNU to feather their nests.
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