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Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
THE corruption-riddled Harare City Council has torched yet another storm after allocating several residential stands on an open space reserved for the surrounds of the community library in Kambuzuma, threatening access to the library and destroying a small park.
The space in Kambuzuma Section 3 was left as an open space to avoid noise at the library but now it is being developed into residential stands with five houses having been built.
A total of 12 stands have reportedly been allocated regardless of the outcry by residents as they watch their library being walled off.
A house under construction, already nearing window level, was erected just outside the main gate of the library with its yard encroaching into the library closing entry into the library.
There were other five houses which have already been completed and waiting for final touches in the same area close to the library while pegs which demarcate other residential stands in the open space.
A resident, Mr Charles Chinomwa, said he was shocked with the developments and pleaded with the Government to stop the developments and demolish the existing structures.
Mr Chinomwa said they wanted their children to read in a quiet and safe environment which is easily accessible to everyone.
“We wonder why the council is parcelling out stands on such open spaces. These people must leave the area because it was reserved as an open space for the community library. Imagine this house which is encroaching the library premises, when completed, there will be no entrance into the library.
“Moreover, these stands if fully developed will inconvenience readers because if someone plays a radio in their houses they will be disturbing the readers that is why the area was left as an open space. These people must respect the by-laws because it is not fair for a person to build in a forbidden area,” he said.
Zanu PF parliamentary aspirant for Kambuzuma, Cde Oscar Nyamunokora, said there was need to restore sanity in Kambuzuma.
“The developments are threatening the existence of the community library.
This is important for the community so if these illegally allocated stands are now encroaching into the library premises, it is something that the Government needs to act with urgency.
“We must look out for the future of our nation before considering such developments. Whoever is parcelling out stands on this space must be stopped forthwith we will end up not having a library in Kambuzuma. This is worrying us as residents and we want the Government to intervene and stop these developments,” he said.
Online Reporter