Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
CheckPoint Desk
HARARE Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume says a double-storey building in Vainona will be pulled down to satisfy the demands of residents, despite the owner holding council-approved architectural plans.
The structure, situated at the intersection of Alpes and Grant roads, has become a flashpoint for local governance after it was revealed that the building encroaches on the road frontage and extends onto Alpes Road itself.
Despite being red-flagged by authorities in 2024, the developer has continued work on the property, recently adding paint and tiling.
Local residents fear the ongoing improvements were a tactical move to increase the potential cost of compensation should the city follow through on its demolition threats.
Cllr Mafume confirmed recently that the city’s policy position remains unchanged.
“We have issued the positions as policymakers that it was built wrongly. There is no problem in building, but the way it was built close to the road edge, ” Cllr Mafume said.
“It’s going to end with one result. It’s going to end in being brought down.”
However, Cllr Mafume said the City is currently hamstrung by legal challenges initiated by the property owner.
“The owner, for some reason or the other, insists on keeping it the way it is, using a flurry of tactics which includes litigation… once the court processes they have initiated are done, we will get a clearer picture.”
When asked if the council would compensate the owner given that the council had admitted it erred in approving the double-storey building -Cllr Mafume said: “I am not his lawyer. If he believes there has been a fault, he should consult his lawyer, who will advise him on what we can and cannot do. I represent the residents; they are not happy with that structure, and we will comply with their wishes.”
Last year, Acting Director of Urban Planning, Mr Samuel Nyabezi, admitted the council erred and criticised his building inspectors for lack of due diligence.
“Inspections were conducted by our building inspectors, but it’s clear that some of them failed to think critically,” Mr Nyabezi said.
“They simply approve every plan they receive with a stamp, neglecting to compare the approved plans with the actual site conditions.”
Efforts to get a comment from the owner, Mr Allen Shonhiwa, were fruitless as his phone went unanswered while questions sent to him are yet to be responded.
In previous interview with the CheckPoint Desk, Mr Shonhiwa, maintained that all procedures were followed and everything was done transparently.
“I am yet to be formally informed by the City Council regarding any demolition. I am hearing this for the first time from you,” he said last year.
“However, what I do know is that everything was done above board. I was also approached by the commission investigating the City of Harare affairs regarding this issue, but I have not received any communication from the City Council itself.”
Mr Shonhiwa said that he acquired the stand 15 years ago, explaining that he had been delaying developing the piece of land over the years.
He pointed out that the open space surrounding the building contains several other undeveloped stands, stating that upon completion, the area will be transformed into a shopping mall.
Mr Shonhiwa said his double-storey structure was appropriately located, emphasising that commercial properties should not be subjected to the same criteria as the adjacent residential houses.
A Vainona resident, who identified himself only as Mr Ranga, said it was unfortunate that ongoing improvements would make it more expensive to compensate the owner.
“Look, when this issue was first raised, the building had not even been painted. Now, the owner is adding the finishing touches, which means the council will have to pay more in compensation because the structure’s value is increasing.”
Ms Tendai Sika, another local resident, said the structure posed no danger to anyone.
“While I am not a town planner, this building has stood for years without an issue,’ she said. “Many buildings in the central business district are situated just as close to the road, so I fail to see how this is any different.”
When CheckPoint visited the site, it was evident the building was complete; although it remains unoccupied. The interior finishes—including tiling and painting are finished.
The double-storey building measures approximately 35 metres by 15 metres, with the ground floor divided into two large rooms and the first floor subdivided into smaller rooms that appear to be offices.
Peter Tanyanyiwa