admin
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
PLAYERS in the tourism industry are up in arms against a private property owner who is making moves to change the use of his property located in the scenic Vumba area into a cemetery, The Manica Post has learnt.
Although Vumba is battling the ravaging effects of climate change and environmentally unfriendly human exploitation, the area has world class tourism products.
Local players in the tourism industry feel that it will not be ideal for a graveyard to be located at the entry point to a range of lush green natural forests, crystal clear rivers cascading down slopes and deep ravines.
In a letter seeking consent of neighbouring property owners on the change of use, Raftsman Investments (Private) Limited wrote: “The owners of the above residential property wish to change its use from residential to cemetery use.
“If you wish, you may file your objection with the Mutare Rural District Council giving reasons. However, we advise that the proposed use will be unobtrusive and will not in any way interfere with your peaceful and undisturbed use of your property.
“We hope you will consent to this application and if so, we ask you to please sign the bottom of this letter.”
However, in her response, one of the neighbours strongly objected to the proposed change of use saying: “I Susan Peter’s of Gibson Investments (Vumba) of Gateway Gardens have objections to the proposed change of use.”
Mr Frank Marembo of White Horse Inn, who is also a Friends of The Vumba (FOTV) trustee said: “It is a very sad development, totally unacceptable and inconsiderate to say the least.”
Mr Danny Kasukuwere, director of Needsearch (Pvt) Ltd said: “I suggest that someone close to him should approach him (the proprietor of Raftsman Investments) and hear his side of the story.
“If it is monetary, he can offer the place for sale to someone who may keep the tourism appeal intact. In the meantime, in terms of the law, people who may need to object must file their objections in time. A lot of people are investing in tourism around that area and this change of use will impact such investments.”
Mr Brendon Jones said: “Our country has a lot of land. Not much of it is highly desirable for tourism. The tourism industry is not delighted with this proposed project.”
While players in the tourism sector are against the idea of having a cemetery in their area for fear of disturbance of the tranquility associated with this tourism destination, private property owners also fear for the value of their investments.
Mr Paddy Chinyoka said: “I hear there is a proposal for a cemetery in Vumba. I am utterly horrified because this will immediately devalue all our properties and shatter the peace and tranquillity. I support development, but I don’t think this is appropriate.”
Contacted for a comment, Mutare Rural District Council Engineer Ryan Musungo said: “At this stage it is difficult to say anything comprehensive because the concerned parties are still making the requisite applications.
“The relevant committee will sit down and deliberate on the matter when all the papers have been submitted.
“We will be guided by the Regional Town and Country Act in making the final decision.”
Online Reporter