adminYeuaki Karengezeka Municipal Correspondent
Zimbabwe Combined Residents and Ratepayers Association has petitioned Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo against densification of suburbs that has led to the rampant abuse of wetlands, greenways and open spaces into residential areas.
The occupation of these spaces is being done with the blessing of the City of Harare in areas like Sherwood Golf Course, Marlborough and Mabelreign.
The petition was also been submitted to the City of Harare and other key stakeholders.
The residents objected the conversion of Sherwood Gulf Course into residential stands and other nearby areas, saying that it was in violation of the Constitution which requires all policy decisions to lead to the establishment and promotion of sustainable and democratic society.
“We reject the proposed development for the following reasons: the changes are unjustifiable given the already overloaded service infrastructure of roads, sewage and water reticulations.
“It will interfere with the well- planned ground and surface water drainage systems and that of neighbouring areas, that is Monavale protected wetlands and other wetlands which were never left open for residential but for ecological reasons, recreational facilities, and other town planning reasons which have nothing to do with housing or putting upstands,” said ZICCORA’s Harare provincial coordinator, Mr Lawrence Kuleya.
The residents said the densification would cause a traffic hazard in roads like Sherwood Drive and others within the communities due to overcrowding since the greenways do not have provisions for such infrastructure.
Mr Kuleya told The Herald that they were yet to receive feedback from the city council as well as the parent ministry.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter