According to the findings, Chitungwiza Town Council, under the leadership of fired town clerk, Godfrey Tanyanyiwa, is alleged to have issued more than 15,000 properties illegally. Residents are worried that the team carried out its investigations without consulting them and confirmed rumours of demolition.
A 56-year-old widow who had acquired an infill plot in Seke Unit J said she did not know where she went wrong because she bought the stand above board.
“It is sad that the very same people that we voted into office are treating us as criminals. When I got this stand, I assumed that I had followed the proper procedure because council officials came and certified that I occupy this area,” said the woman, who preferred anonymity.
“Now we hear that the Mbetsa team is going to demolish all illegal structures and my house will be destroyed. I do not know where I am going to go,” she said wiping away a tear.
The area where she built a five-roomed house has been certified as a playground for the community.
“The irony of it is that the officials who were involved in this scandal are walking scot free, with the courts giving them pathetic sentences while our investment has gone to waste,” said Mai Welly, another resident.
Donald Magwenzi of Zengeza 4 urged the government to punish those who illegally allocated the plots, so as to send a strong message to corrupt officials.
Mbetsa said council had no legal obligation to reimburse the property owners in the event of demolition, adding that those who had constructed on irregularly acquired land would be treated as criminals.
Post published in: News