Umguza RDC stops development of mega housing project

Raymond Jaravaza, Sunday News Reporter

Umguza Rural District Council (RDC) has ordered the immediate halt of work at Mzinyathini Gardens, a multimillion-dollar gated housing project in Kensington, over alleged non-compliance with planning regulations.

Touted as a beacon of diaspora investment and hope for returning Zimbabweans, Mzinyathini Gardens is an ambitious private development meant to deliver hundreds of modern, up market homes. But the vision is now at risk after council authorities ordered an immediate stop to all ongoing construction activities, citing the developers’ failure to secure a development permit.

Construction at the site had already begun, which show homes in three distinct designs approved by a town planner to give prospective homeowners a choice based on size and architectural preferences.

In a letter addressed to the developers, Umguza RDC chief executive officer Mr Collen Moyo invoked Section 32 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12), ordering the immediate cessation of all works and restoration of the land to its original state within a month. “You are hereby ordered to discontinue all operations and any use of the land or buildings thereon . . . stop all illegal development and remove all materials on site. Vacate

within a month from the publication of this Enforcement Order,” wrote Mr Moyo.
The developers have been advised that they may appeal the enforcement order within 30 days.

Mzinyathini Gardens founder Mr Zazalizitha Khumalo accused Umguza RDC of frustrating a legitimate investment and delaying the issuance of the development permit, despite the developers’ efforts to follow all legal procedures.

“We’re a group of Zimbabweans in the diaspora who pooled resources to buy over 500 hectares of land from a private seller, Dr Mthupha. We subdivided it to develop hundreds of homes,” he said.

“From the beginning, we did everything by the book, including engaging Umguza RDC and physical planning offices at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex. Despite our efforts, we’ve been treated like outlaws, receiving threatening letters telling us to stop developments, even though we’ve followed due process.”

Mr Khumalo said they employed over 130 workers in the construction of demo houses, roadworks and other related construction activities.

“I must make it clear the developments we did on the land were the beginning of our problems. We did all the necessary paperwork and approached all the relevant offices such as the Umguza RDC and the physical planning department at the Government complex at Mhlahlandlela,” he said.

Mr Khumalo said the project is a direct response to President Mnangagwa’s call for Zimbabweans abroad to invest in the country’s development.

“We met the President in Egypt during a diaspora investment forum, and we took his message to heart. But it’s heart-breaking that while the President encourages investment, some officials are making it nearly impossible,” he said.

Mr Khumalo said some of the funding for the project came from bank loans, which continue to accrue interest while work remains suspended.

Umguza RDC chief executive Mr Moyo did not respond to questions from Sunday News.

Meanwhile, workers on the site are pleading for dialogue between the two parties to save their jobs.

Mrs Jojina Banda, a widow and construction worker, said losing her job would be devastating.

“I’ve been here for almost a year. This is the only way I can feed my children and grandchildren. We were jobless before this project started. I beg the council to allow work to continue and support Mr Khumalo with the paperwork needed,” she said.

For 21-year-old Mpumelelo Moyo, the project has been more than a job — it has been a learning platform.

“I’ve learnt so much in the six months I’ve worked as a building assistant. If this stops, we’ll lose valuable experience and livelihoods,” he said.