Mabelreign residents accuse developer of wetland invasion

Ivan Zhakata Suburban Reporter

RESIDENTS of Mabelreign are accusing land developer Mr Bruce Chiyangwa, son to businessman Dr Philip Chiyangwa, of allegedly encroaching onto a two-hectare wetland in the Meyrick Park area.

The residents claim Mr Bruce Chiyangwa lacks proper documentation to prove ownership of the land, which has been designated as a wetland for decades.

Recent land clearing activities by Mr Bruce Chiyangwa have destroyed crops tended by residents.

Faced with residents’ outcry, Mr Bruce Chiyangwa reportedly submitted photocopied documents to the Mabelreign District Office to prove his claim to the piece of land in question.

However, since the submitted documents were not original their authenticity will have to be verified, Ward 16 Councillor Deford Ngadziore said.

“I am told that he wants to build clusters. We will initiate an audit and verification of title deeds,” Cllr Ngadziore said.

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is also investigating the matter and an ecological assessment will be conducted to determine the wetland’s sensitivity and guide decision-making.

“The land corresponding to the description…was observed to be undergoing clearing,” said EMA spokesperson Mrs Amkela Sidange.

“The Agency is urging would be developers to approach it for guidance on the ecological sensitivity of areas they intend developing on,” she said.

The Harare Wetlands Trust (HWT) strongly condemned the alleged invasion of the wetland.

“The whole area is a big wetland and it is a big breathing space for the community at large,” said HWT programmes manager Mr Selestino Chari.

“Clearly, the law is clear that the residents and all relevant authorities should be consulted,” he said.

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) also expressed its concern about  the ongoing invasion of wetlands in Harare, especially with Zimbabwe hosting a wetlands convention next year.

“The issue of invasions and encroachment of wetlands is very worrying,” said CHRA director Mr Rueben Akili.

“We are worried that EMA has not been proactive.”

Mr Bruce Chiyangwa was not available for comment when attempts were made to seek his side of the story as his mobile phone was not reachable. He had not responded to questions sent to his phone number via WhatsApp at the time of publishing the story.