Chitungwiza Municipality officials allegedly altered a
stand layout plan in Unit N Extension around the Try Again shops, before
allocating a residential stand in the middle of the road in existence since
2006.
The allocated stand is also reportedly affecting stand
number 24810. Our news crew yesterday visited the site and observed that there
was a pre-cast wall that has been erected to block what residents said used to
be their road for the past 14 years.
The developments reportedly started on July 6, 2020. The
owner of the stand, Mr Blessing Mutizwa, has all the council papers supporting
that the allocation of the stand was above board.
He said the area he is accused of grabbing is space that
houses sewer lines and cannot be used for development purposes including having
a road.
Mr Mutizwa said he has since filed reports with the
President’s Office, police and Chitungwiza Municipality since people were
persecuting him for erecting a precast wall.
Residents who preferred anonymity for fear of victimisation
said they tried to stop Mr Mutizwa, but they were shocked when he showed them
receipts from Chitungwiza Municipality indicating he had paid for the stand.
“We were surprised how Chitungwiza Municipality allocated a
stand in the middle of a road,” fumed one resident.
“Mutizwa usually fires his gun at night to instil fear in
residents but we are unfazed and we want the road to be opened.”
Mr Mutizwa, however, denied intimidating residents with his
gun, which he said is properly registered.
“When l fired the gun, there was an armed robbery which
happened at my neighbour’s place whose husband works in Namibia. It was a
justifiable cause,” he said.“My gun is properly registered and is it wrong to
assist neighbours when they are attacked?”
Chitungwiza acting town clerk Dr Tonderai Kasu yesterday
said he will comment after investigating the matter.
“On the allegations that there is a stand in the middle of
the road, I would need time to investigate the issue and verify facts. I would
only be able to comment after conducting verifications,” he said.
Chitungwiza Residents Trust director Ms Alice Kuveya
lambasted council for being involved in corrupt activities.
“Honestly, as residents we are tired of corrupt council
officials. We are asking the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), and
the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to take action now.
“As residents we will continue to fight for our properties.
There is not going to be a stand in the middle of the road. The owner should go
and get back his money,” she said. Herald
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