MOST residential areas in Zimbabwe are grappling with a common set of challenges, largely stemming from private land developers who have failed to complete developments in line with their permits.
These unfulfilled obligations have left thousands of residents stuck in limbo — caught between unresponsive councils and defaulting developers.
The situation is dire. Essential services such as water supply, roads, sewer reticulation, and street lighting have been neglected, turning many promising neighbourhoods into dusty, poorly-serviced settlements.
While local authorities claim their hands are tied, residents continue to bear the brunt of these long-standing disputes.
A major sticking point lies in the standoff between councils and land developers. Councils are battling uncooperative developers, who have not met the requirements necessary for compliance certification.
Without these certificates, residents are forced to build on untitled land — robbing them of the ability to properly value, mortgage, or sell their properties. This not only undermines investment but also erodes trust in both the housing and local governance systems.
Fuelling residents’ frustrations is the perception that council officials are colluding with the same developers who failed them.
While this may not always be the case, the lack of transparency from councils creates room for suspicion. In truth, councils themselves would benefit from fully compliant neighbourhoods — complete with proper infrastructure and services — which would in turn boost rate collections and local development.
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Developers, on their part, often blame economic instability, particularly currency volatility, for the disappearance of funds meant for completing projects.
But in most cases, these claims cannot be independently verified. As a result, residents are left to fend for themselves while court battles between councils and developers drag on with no end in sight.
It is clear the current approach is failing. Government, particularly through the Office of the District Coordinator, must step in and play a more active role in resolving these disputes. The status quo — marked by silence, finger-pointing, and delayed litigation — only deepens the suffering of innocent homeowners.
This is not a problem that any single party can solve alone. Councils, developers, and residents must come together in good faith to forge practical solutions.
Working with legitimate and organised residents’ associations, councils can begin to restore some order and progress. Collective planning, transparency, and accountability should guide all efforts going forward.
Yes, the challenges are real. But so too are the opportunities, if only we stop the blame game and get all hands on deck.
- Makombe is a ommunity advocacy journalist based in Harare.
