Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. A bitter nine-year land wrangle between Greater Spitzkop Residents Association and property developer Vevhu Resources has finally been resolved, clearing the way for long-delayed development.
The Supreme Court recently dismissed the residents’ appeal, bringing an end to the long protracted legal battle that saw 16 court cases filed, and all won by Vevhu Resources.
While addressing residents at Spitzkop Lot 14 yesterday, Vevhu Resources chief executive officer, Anthony Dube, said that civil works will begin next week and assured residents that no one will be left homeless.
Dube explained that delays were caused by shifting government regulations, including new requirements to allocate 40% of the land to flats, which conflicted with how residents had already settled.
“So it became a bottleneck to try and deal with the occupants… to say we need to move certain people to make for the apartments which was government regulation which was gazetted by government through cabinet,” he added.
Despite the setbacks, Dube said the company had chosen a compromise.
“So what we have done is that we told people that we will try and adopt the old plan which conforms to how people are already settled,” he said.
According to Dube, only a third of residents will be affected, but they will remain within Spitzkop Lot 14.
“With the adoption of the old plan it means we are now able to accommodate everyone who has been settled here,” he said.
The original layout plan for Lot 14 Spitzkop provides for 3,595 stands, including shops, schools, and recreational facilities. But over the years, some residents had occupied land earmarked for public institutions, sparking resistance whenever development was attempted.
Local councillor Tafadzwa Kambarami welcomed the truce, describing it as a victory for both residents and progress.
“We are happy that the developer understood our concerns despite us having lost court cases. What we want is development and residents have to comply. Everyone is happy because there will be no evictions. We want sanity. We want development and I’m happy that residents have accepted what the developer has brought on the table. Development should start right away,” he said.
Zvimba East legislator Kudakwashe Mananzva who graced the meeting welcomed the development saying the residents are happy because noone will be left homeless.
Mananzva said although the cost of the residential stands will be varied, residents can negotiate with their developer on an individual basis.
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