adminMichael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Redcliff Town Council has embarked on a forensic land audit after it emerged that there are some stands that were sold without the local authority’s knowledge.
About 16 stands in Torwood suburb were allegedly “created” and sold to residents behind council’s back.
In an interview, Redcliff mayor Councillor Clayton Masiyatsva confirmed that the local authority had called for a survey after it was discovered that some ratepayers bought stands at undesignated areas.
“We directed that council does a forensic audit which is already underway and the report is expected soon and we will hand it over to the Ministry of Local Government,” he said. “This was after we discovered that there were some residents who bought stands in some areas not fit for human habitation.
“We were surprised to note that there were some infills in Torwood where stands were created and sold.”
Clr Masiyatsva said besides the alleged underhand dealings, Redcliff Council last conducted a land audit in 2009 and has been long overdue. He said to date, about 16 stands have been condemned after it was discovered that they were located along sewer lines, water lines or near electrical power lines. “We have about 16 stands in Torwood that were sold behind council’s back, and as we speak, 10 of them have already been condemned as they are located along either a sewer line or a water line or electrical power lines,” said Clr Masiyatsva.
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