Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Madhonaland West Bureau
A long-standing land dispute between Chegutu Municipality and property developer Philip Chiyangwa’s company, Gabroc Enterprises, is approaching a resolution, potentially unlocking hundreds of hectares of land that have remained unused for years amid lengthy legal battles.
At the centre of the dispute is the Hintonville Extension, a parcel of land whose ownership has been contested for over twenty years, dating back to around 2001.
Initially measuring 526 hectares, the land became the focus of a controversial deal involving the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), which purchased it from Gabroc in a multimillion-dollar transaction.
However, the arrangement was nullified in 2021 after the High Court of Zimbabwe ruled that the land still belonged to Chegutu Municipality, effectively invalidating the sale.
The ruling marked a key turning point in a dispute that had halted development and deprived residents of vital services.
Chegutu Chairperson, Aderman Stanley Banda said the dispute had far-reaching effects on the town’s growth and service delivery.
“The issue of Hintonville Extension has been on record for quite a number of years. The show started around 2001, which means it has been there for 24 years and is of very significant importance to residents,” he said.
“Residents have been deprived of residential accommodation, commercial land, industrial land and recreational space for quite a long time. Additionally, the council has also lost out on financial benefits related to services, charges and land taxes.”
The prolonged disagreement has also put strain on council resources, with repeated court battles draining funds that could have been used for service delivery and infrastructure development.
Chegutu Mayor, Councillor Rydes Machekera, said the local authority has now adopted a pragmatic approach to end the deadlock and prioritise development.
“This was a result of a lot of arguments which have been going on in the courts. Council resolved that we can no longer afford to continue fighting in the courts at the expense of development,” he said.
“As a result, the council has taken a position to ensure that all matters relating to this land are resolved.”
Mayor Machekera revealed that a new assessment has adjusted the actual size of the land to 412 hectares, down from the previously disputed 526 hectares.
“Previously, we have been talking of 526 hectares, but the real quantity of land on site is 412 hectares. With the intervention of the Minister of Local Government, we have agreed with Gabroc Enterprises that no one owes the other party, and we have resolved on the 412 hectares,” he said.
As part of the resolution framework, the council expects Gabroc to regularise its obligations, including paying outstanding rents and taxes.
“Council is also taking a position that we expect Gabroc to make payment of rents and other taxes that are due. We are going to follow due procedure everything relevant to that piece of land will have to be adhered to,” added Mayor Machekera.
Councillor Banda said the council would move to formalise the land through legal and administrative processes, including re-advertising it in line with Section 152 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act.
“In particular, we will re-advertise the land and ensure that we record the correct number of hectares on site. Another very important aspect is ensuring that all contractual obligations are met,” he said.
He also added that any development on the land must be supported by proper infrastructure.
“We want to make sure that all infrastructure water, roads, lighting and sewer systems are properly developed and approved by relevant authorities.”
The anticipated resolution of the Chegutu–Gabroc dispute is expected to unlock long-stalled urban expansion opportunities, paving the way for new housing developments, commercial zones and industrial growth in Chegutu.
Peter Tanyanyiwa