A land dispute involving a Harare resident and the City of Harare has escalated to the High Court, exposing potential irregularities surrounding projects spearheaded by one of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s advisors. Chenjerai Milton Musonza is seeking legal recourse after discovering that his residential stand was allocated for a presidential borehole scheme without his consent or knowledge.
According to court documents, Musonza was allocated a high-density residential infill stand, number Rem 5807 Glenview, Harare, in March 2020. He proceeded to pay a total of $485 317,54 in local currency, covering various fees associated with the stand. This included $1 500 for administration, $30 000 as a provisional deposit for the intrinsic land price, $150 967-53 for water connection, and $302 850.00 for sewer connection.
In 2023, Musonza was dismayed to find that his residential stand had been occupied by unknown individuals and transformed into a site for a presidential scheme. A community solar project had been erected, and a borehole drilled, all without his prior notification or approval. The scheme is allegedly run by Paul Tunguwarara, Mnangagwa’s special advisor.
Musonza engaged the City of Harare to address the issue, and the municipality initially pledged to allocate him an alternative stand within Harare in 2024. However, despite repeated requests from Musonza’s legal representatives for updates and an amicable resolution, the City of Harare has remained unresponsive.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, Musonza has now turned to the High Court for redress, citing the City of Harare and the director of housing and community services as respondents in the case.
In his submission to the court, Musonza stated that his primary objective is to be reallocated a residential stand of equivalent value to the one he lost. Alternatively, he seeks a full refund of all the money he paid for the original stand.
Musonza also seeks compensation for damages incurred due to the breach of contract. He argues that his plans to build his dream home have been significantly disrupted, forcing him to remain a lodger when he should have been residing in his own house. To this end, he is requesting an order for the payment of damages amounting to US$10 000, or its equivalent in local currency.
Musonza has issued the council an ultimatum, demanding reallocation of a suitable stand within one month of the summons. The case is currently pending before the High Court.
The situation has raised concerns about the operations of land barons in the capital, many of whom are allegedly linked to the ruling Zanu PF party. These individuals have been accused of illegally acquiring and allocating land, including protected wetlands, for various purposes.
The presidential borehole scheme at the centre of Musonza’s case is one of several initiatives spearheaded by Tungwarara in recent months. Last week, Tungwarara presided over the launch of the presidential empowerment scheme for the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association (COZLWVA). The organisation received seed capital of US$500 000 to support their entrepreneurial ventures.
Critics have suggested that these initiatives are designed to garner support for a controversial proposal to extend President Mnangagwa’s term of office from 2028 to 2030. By providing resources and opportunities to various groups, the ruling party may be attempting to solidify its political base ahead of future elections.
The outcome of Musonza’s case could have significant implications for other residents who have been affected by similar land disputes. It may also shed light on the extent to which presidential schemes and other government initiatives are impacting property rights and urban planning in Harare.
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