Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Sunday News Reporter
HUNDREDS of home-seekers involved in the Mzinyathini Gardens housing project in Kensington now remain in suspense, following the order by Umguza Rural District Council (RDC) to immediately halt all development works on site.
Mzinyathini Gardens, a multi-million-dollar gated housing scheme, has been hailed as a model for Diaspora investment, offering hope to Zimbabweans abroad and within the country seeking to build modern homes for their families.
The project now comprises 11 phases and is designed to accommodate hundreds of homes within a gated community setting.
The project’s founder, Mr Zazalizitha Khumalo, said Umguza RDC’s directive to cease development has left many prospective homeowners anxious, particularly those who invested their savings or took out bank loans to purchase stands and begin construction.
“We sub-divided over 500 hectares of privately purchased land from Dr Gloria Mthupha into 11 phases. The smallest phase accommodates about 40 stands, while the largest has space for 50,” said Mr Khumalo.
“We are talking about a significant number of individuals affected by this order. All we are asking is for Umguza RDC to indicate which of our submitted documents are not in order, so we can address any issues accordingly.
“Our repeated requests to meet the Umguza RDC CEO, Mr Colleen Moyo, to resolve the matter have gone unanswered.”
Under the project’s terms, prospective homeowners pay a deposit for a stand, with the balance payable in instalments over 18 months. Members also contribute towards fees such as change of ownership and title surveys. Stands range in price from US$4 000 to US$5 050, attracting both local and diaspora-based buyers.
Mr Dumisani Ncube, an accountant based in the United Kingdom, said he was encouraged to invest in Zimbabwe after the coming in of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa, which encouraged citizens abroad to contribute to national development.
“I’ve lived in the UK for over 20 years, and this was the first time I seriously considered investing back home after the President’s call for inclusivity,” said Mr Ncube.
“We want to return to a comfortable life, and building a home in Bulawayo, where I grew up, is part of that plan. I’ve invested over US$40 000 in the Mzinyathini Gardens project — some of it borrowed — so I am eager to see progress,” he said.
In a formal notice, Umguza RDC cited alleged non-compliance with planning regulations and ordered an immediate cessation of works at the site. Construction had already commenced, with three show home designs — approved by a town planner — offering prospective homeowners a range of architectural options.
Umguza RDC CEO, Mr Moyo, invoked Section 32 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12), ordering all activities on site to stop and the land to be restored to its original state within one month.
“You are hereby ordered to discontinue all operations and any use of the land or buildings thereon . . . cease all illegal development and remove all materials on site,” wrote Mr Moyo.
“Vacate within a month from the publication of this Enforcement Order.”
