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Herald Reporter
Barons have once again invaded land reserved for the Harare-Chitungwiza railway line despite the demolition of illegal structures in 2020.
The barons are parcelling out land on the railway corridor and land reserved for social amenities, including a school and shopping mall.
An alleged fraudulent document which is being issued by the land barons known as Mapani Youth Housing Cooperative Society Ltd has no contact number but just a post office address indicated as Box W11 Waterfalls, Harare.
The name-dropping syndicate is claiming association with high ranking officials and has not only invaded the railway line area but also spaces reserved for schools, nurseries and even waterways.
A report has since been made by residents to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission under RRB number 004196.
Residents who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation expressed dismay at the manner in which the land barons were invading the land reserved for the railway and schools.
The initial plan for the land involves a US$400 million project for the construction of a 27km, double-track urban-commuter electrified railway line between Harare and Chitungwiza.
The railway line is supposed to link Makoni Shopping Centre to the industrial sites, Zengeza and St Mary’s.
From St Mary’s, the line runs parallel to Seke Road into Harare.
Chitungwiza has around two million people with many of them commuting to Harare daily for work and personal business.
The Harare-Chitungwiza urban rail project remains a priority project hinted at through a commitment made by the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe in 2019 to revive investment towards the project.
Waterfalls’ Retreat area is part of the first phase of aerial mapping which is being done by the Government so that the residents can get the title deeds.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter