The war veterans, led by losing Zanu (PF) councillor candidate Ward 10, Comrade Gamu, presented their demands to council last Tuesday, ahead of the planned allocation of low density residential and flea market stands to beneficiaries.
“As freedom fighters we are entitled to twenty percent of future residential and business stands around the country. This is in line with prescriptions in a clause embraced in the war veterans Act. The requirements in the Act are not negotiable”, Council, in conjunction with the Ministry of National Housing, was servicing 107 low density residential stands at Lower Paradise Park. The 2 000 square metre stands were selling at US$16 000 each. Out of the 107 stands, the former freedom fighters were demanding 21.
The war veterans could also be allocated 117 of the 586 town centre flea market tables by council before end of next month if they get their way.
Asked by councillors if the percentage demanded was not too much for the dwindling population of the town, Gamu said their membership was too huge for what they were asking for.
“Though the demands by the war veterans sounded legitimate and genuine, if granted would leave council poorer as the war veterans would not have the capacity to raise the $16 000 for a residential stand in the suburb,” said a senior council
management member who declined to be named. “The low density residential suburb project was supposed to boost council depleted coffers. The city fathers should not be naive or arm twisted to accept the so-called demands by the former freedom fighters. They must approach the issue with a business mind and avoid parcelling land to people who lacked the capacity to purchase it.”
An angry resident, Jorum Ngorima of Dombotombo, said: “Should the city fathers feel they cannot take the war veterans head-on on behalf of the restless rate payers, they should ship out before they parcel out council income generating projects to land grabbers. This is residents’ property at stake and councillors must consult with residents before taking a position in this regard”.
Post published in: News