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Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
An urban settlement that will blend nature and social activity is being rolled out adjacent Rusape Dam after Government gave the nod for the conversion of 700 hectares from private title.
The project, known as Utandi Estate, will comprise 2000 low density stands, a hotel, recreational space, sports facilities, schools, services stations, a food court, shopping malls and an industrial site that will be part of the first phase of development.
This will lead to the expansion and increase in value for Rusape town.
Servicing of the stands has already commenced.
Building permits will be issued after the payment of at least 30 percent and receipt of a signed letter of intent from the developers.
The approval of the development came to fruition after consideration of numerous submissions by members of the public, the two local authorities — Makoni Rural District Council and Rusape Town Council — as well as the 39 families that temporarily settled on the property for agricultural purposes.
The land in question falls on the boundary of the two local authorities — across Rusape Dam and along the Rusape-Wedza Highway.
The land is under Muungwe Investments Private Limited and is being developed by Brobondo Private Limited.
Makoni RDC will get the project’s endowments, while Rusape Town Council will accrue revenue from the provision of water and refuse collection.
Chairman for Makoni RDC, Alderman David Guy Mutasa confirmed the development, adding that his council will benefit immensely from the expansion.
“The land is under private title, and the developer is the main actor there. As council, we will get some endowments, which is about 10 percent of the stands. It is a positive development for Rusape,” said Alderman Mutasa.
Rusape Town Council chairman, Mr Lovemore Chifomboti could not be reached for a comment.
It is Government’s position that urban and rural councils must work together in the development of urban settlements on land surrounding established towns.
Brobondo (Pvt) Ltd chief executive officer, Mr Blessing Madanhi said the waterfront development involve stakeholders in many sectors.
He said there will be 69 waterfront stands, 1 942 low density stands with between 1 200 and 3 000 square metres, 11 schools, a university, eight commercial, 29 industrial, eight churches, two cluster homes, four flats, two community halls, a country club and four recreational sites.
“This is a positive step in Rusape’s growth, as this will double the town’s size and bring a variety of the much-needed housing options, including a hotel that will have a positive impact on the tourism industry, given its waterfront positioning.
“Rusape will also benefit from employment creation, technological and infrastructural advancements, improved transportation and communication, quality educational and medical facilities, entertainment, water sports and the artificial beach.
“The waterfront development will not only provide breathing space for residents, but also ample space for memorials, recreation and waterside offices,” said Mr Mahanhi.
He said Brobondo has terms that favour corporates, property developers, civil servants, the Diaspora community as well as the informal sector.
Turning to those affected by the development, Mr Madanhi said: “The land is under private title, but there are several issues we are dealing with, for example, the issue of the 39 families that will be affected by the development.
“That has been resolved and we will assimilate them into the project. We will build houses and transfer title to them. We are in constant engagement with the affected families and we are clear in our mandate to uphold our social responsibilities and commitments to those affected. We believe in sustainable development through empowerment of all people impacted by our project, ” said Mr Madanhi.
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