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Category: Local News

  • Bryden School Demands EMA Action Over Chinese Cement Factory Dispute

    By Staff Reporter

    Bryden School’s Board of Governors says it is still waiting for clarity from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) following the school’s resistance to a Chinese cement manufacturing company’s planned operations near its premises.

    Last month, the school launched a legal battle against the construction of a lime and cement factory just 500 metres from its boundary. The school argued that the project would expose learners to serious health and environmental risks.

    Despite a High Court order on March 25 directing Shuntai Investments to suspend all activities, the company has reportedly pressed ahead, releasing toxic dust, noxious fumes, loud blasting, and heavy machinery noise into the community.

    In a circular to parents, Bryden’s Board of Governors noted that Shuntai’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was approved by EMA despite overlooking key zoning and health concerns in an area designated for education. The school has since sued EMA, while a judge inspected the site and later ruled that Shuntai was in contempt of court.

    In its latest circular, the board expressed frustration at EMA’s silence.

    “We therefore continue at the mercy of the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honorable Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, to hear our application in the Administrative Court. Our submission to this Honorable Court was on 28 May 2025,” the school said.

    “Further, we have not received any written response from the Provincial Director of EMA since our meeting in February 2025. The silence from this Ministry on this most important environmental issue is deafening.”

    The matter has since been raised in Parliament, while Chegutu Municipality has acknowledged in its Masterplan that Bryden and nearby institutions are reserved for education, not industrial activity.

    Bryden also acknowledged government officials for stepping in.

    “Firstly, the Bryden Board, parents and staff would like to thank Joint Operations Command Mashonaland West for visiting the school and the Shuntai cement factory site on a fact-finding mission on 11 September 2025.

    “We thank them for taking their time and being thorough and diligent in this regard. The delegation noted that the distances provided by Shuntai Investments and EMA are highly questionable. They also queried the continuation of work at the Shuntai site in disregard of the High Court order issued on 25 March 2025.

    “We also thank the Chegutu Municipality for attending the meeting and providing the official Masterplan map. This confirmed that Bryden and three other learning institutions are in the education zone, and that both schools and planned low-density housing would be negatively affected by a cement factory.

    “In addition, we also wish to let you know that the Bryden-Shuntai issue has been raised in Parliament this week. We will release any new developments as they come through,” the School said

  • Major works for Mutare roads

    CITY of Mutare is set to carry out major works on Railway Street and Bridge Road, resulting in temporary closure of the two roads.

    Railway Street is the immediate right turn after the flyover before getting into town, while Bridge Road branches from Railway Street to connect with Park Road.

    In a notice to the public today, the local authority said the works are planned to commence today (Tuesday) and run until October 10.

    “Notice is hereby given that there will be a temporary road closure of Railway Street and Bridge Road to execute major road works. The road works are planned to commence on September 23 and run until October 10,” reads the notice.

    Mutare City Council directed all road users to use alternative routes until completion of the works.—Manica Post

  • ZITF introduces virtual marketplace for Mine Entra 2025

    The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has announced the introduction of a Virtual Marketplace, marking a new era of digital engagement for the upcoming Mine Entra 2025 exhibitions.

    Identified as a cutting-edge digital platform, the initiative is designed to elevate the exhibition experience for all Mine Entra participants. ZITF said this innovative platform is set to transform how exhibitors connect, engage, and do business by offering a dynamic online environment that complements the physical exhibition.

     

    “We are excited to introduce this digital extension of Mine Entra 2025,” said ZITF marketing and communications manager, Mr Thandolwenkosi Nkomo. “The Virtual Marketplace is more than just a platform — it’s a strategic tool that enables our exhibitors to maximise visibility, generate leads, and build lasting business relationships.”

     

    The Virtual Marketplace empowers exhibitors to engage with a broader audience of visitors, potential buyers, and fellow exhibitors aligned with their business interests. It also allows them to host one-on-one virtual meetings for in-depth product demonstrations and meaningful conversations. The platform will also showcase digital resources and product offerings to a global online audience, extending their reach beyond the exhibition halls.

    With the growing online presence of different companies, the introduction of the Virtual Marketplace will enhance connections between companies along the mining value chain. ZITF said that the Virtual Marketplace allows exhibitors to update their company profile with logos, product details, and contact information, set availability calendars for virtual meetings, and list products and services for online browsing and ordering. It also allows companies to upload digital downloads such as brochures and catalogues for easy access by visitors.

    “We are inviting all exhibitors to complete their profiles and explore the platform’s features to fully leverage its potential, and the ZITF technical team is readily available to assist,” added Mr Nkomo.

    In today’s digital age, the marketing landscape has undergone a significant transformation. The proliferation of technology and the omnipresence of the internet have fundamentally altered the way businesses reach and engage with their target audience. Experts have said that as consumers spend more time online, impactful marketing in the digital age requires businesses to adapt to the changing landscape and leverage various tools and strategies, with the introduction of the Virtual Marketplace being one of the ZITF’s initiatives to enhance the use of digital marketing in the mining value chain.

    Organised by the ZITF Company in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe School of Mines, Mine Entra has provided players in the mining sector with a networking platform, which links suppliers, policymakers, potential investors, and other key stakeholders together.

    Meanwhile, registration for the Mine Entra 2025 edition, which will be held from 8 to 10 October under the theme: “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” has begun. A recent update from ZITF reveals that more than 173 exhibitors have already confirmed their participation, representing the width and breadth of the mining, engineering, transport, construction, and related value chains.—Chronicle

     

     

  • Willdale Limited’s Q3: A struggle for survival or a turning point?

    HARARE – The story of Willdale in F25 has been one of contrasts: a company squeezed by working capital shortages and depressed production capacity, yet still standing on what could be transformative opportunities in real estate and new technology. The Q3 update, when read alongside the half-year unaudited results, paints a picture of a business fighting for its core relevance in Zimbabwe’s construction value chain while laying bets on a property pivot that could either redefine its fortunes or expose deeper structural weaknesses.

    The macroeconomic backdrop remained relatively stable during the quarter under review. Inflation and exchange rates were broadly contained, reflecting the government’s persistence with tight monetary policy. In theory, such stability should have created a conducive environment for capital expenditure and demand. In practice, however, the liquidity squeeze meant that Willdale was unable to fully participate in the opportunities that an expanding construction sector offered.

    Demand for bricks remained strong across urban and peri-urban housing projects, as well as in commercial developments. Yet Willdale found itself unable to meet this demand, not because of lack of buyers, but because working capital shortages throttled production. This paradox—high demand but low supply—became the defining feature of F25’s trajectory.

    The most glaring issue was production. Year-to-date extrusion volumes fell by 52% compared to the previous year, while fired production contracted by 41%. Sales volumes dropped by 34%, reflecting the supply-side constraints rather than waning demand.

    The Q3 numbers echoed the H1 narrative where extrusion volumes had already fallen 43%, leading to a 30% decline in sales. The constraints were starkly visible: stockouts became common and all available inventory was quickly absorbed by the market. It was not a demand problem; it was a production and funding problem.

    The financial hit was equally heavy. At H1, revenue had collapsed by 48 % to US$3.1 million from US$6.1 million a year earlier. By Q3, year-to-date revenue was down 45 %, a decline that combined the effect of lower volumes and intense price competition in the commoditised common brick market.

    Average prices rose by 10% in Q3 compared to the prior year, a strategic decision to push higher-value product lines. This provided some cushion but could not offset the broader contraction. At H1, however, pricing had fallen 26% year-on-year due to intensified competition, highlighting the uneven dynamics in different product segments.

    The result was an operating loss of US$1.8 million in H1, narrower than the US$3.8 million loss in the prior year but still symptomatic of structural fragility. Exchange losses and cost pressures added to the strain, though cost rationalisation measures brought some relief.

    Liquidity remained precarious. By March 2025, cash balances had shrunk to just US$25,275 from US$142,791 in September 2024. Payables climbed to US$6.2 million, a signal of delayed settlements and stretched supplier relationships. Short-term borrowings were minimal at US$70,000, consistent with management’s policy of low gearing to reduce default risk. This conservative stance, while prudent, also left the company under-leveraged at a time when funding was desperately needed to scale production.

    The Board’s decision not to declare an interim dividend at H1 was a rational response. Every dollar mattered for survival and reinvestment. Yet the longer-term question looms: can Willdale generate sustainable returns for shareholders without fundamentally altering its capital structure?

    Industry-wide concerns: Radar’s Macdonald Bricks story

    At its recent AGM, Radar Holdings said Chinese-controlled brick producers are capturing significant market share through cost efficiencies driven by state-of-the-art, scalable manufacturing technologies, thereby placing traditional players at a competitive disadvantage. Radar’s brick division continues to incur operational losses, with inventory levels reaching approximately US$8 million, raising liquidity concerns despite the absence of official disclosures on short-term cash positions.

    The company’s cost structure remains inflexible due to reliance on antiquated, capital-intensive machinery and a sizable workforce, which is increasingly unsustainable given declining production volumes. Management acknowledged that personnel levels have not been reduced in tandem with output reductions—an untenable situation in the current market climate.

    Strategic options under consideration include the potential discontinuation of brick manufacturing operations altogether, especially as asset values—such as land housing kilns—may surpass the enterprise value. Previously, the company leveraged its property development assets to offset brick sector losses; however, land asset sales are occurring at near-cost levels, diminishing this support.

    Industry dynamics favor competitors with lean operational models, mobile equipment, and flexible pricing strategies, enabling Chinese firms to operate at significantly lower costs and set highly competitive prices. Despite plans to diversify into higher-value industrial bricks and upgrade to more efficient kilns, the outlook remains challenging. The management’s willingness to contemplate shutdown signals the severity of financial strains and restructuring needs. Radar’s future sustainability hinges on its ability to divest non-core assets and overhaul its operational model to restore competitiveness.

    Willdale’s strategic diversification: The property development gambit

    The most striking theme in Q3 was the pivot to property development. Willdale signaled that land sales and stand development would become material cash flow drivers from the next quarter. The company received a development permit for one land parcel in May 2025, while illegal occupants were being cleared to enable servicing and sales.

    Most notably, the Smartsuburb project in Mt Hampden, located within the boundaries of the New City, is scheduled to begin servicing and sales in September 2025. If executed well, these projects could unlock substantial liquidity, fund the acquisition of a modern all-weather common brick plant, and recapitalize working capital.

    The irony, however, is hard to miss. A company historically positioned as Zimbabwe’s leading brick manufacturer is now betting on property development to bail out its core operations. This raises existential questions: is Willdaleevolving into a hybrid real estate-manufacturing firm, or is it using property as a temporary bandage for deeper structural wounds?

    Competitive dynamics became fiercer in Q3, with new manufacturers entering the industry. The common brick segment remained highly price-sensitive, with some players allegedly avoiding VAT compliance to undercut prices. This distorted competition eroded margins and pressured Willdale’spricing strategy.

    The company’s focus on premium product lines is logical in this environment. However, without scale and capital injection, even premium positioning risks being undermined by persistent supply constraints.

    Willdale projects a highly positive outlook, expecting property sales and capital raising to drive a turnaround in Q4 and beyond. Management is confident that servicing land, selling stands, and channeling proceeds into new technology will modernize production, restore liquidity, and expand market share.

    The outlook is encouraging, but skepticism is warranted. Execution risk is immense. Land development is capital-intensive and often slow, subject to regulatory and logistical delays. Even if proceeds are realized, converting them into efficient production capacity requires careful sequencing and disciplined reinvestment. A misstep could leave the company with fragmented focus and further liquidity strain.

    Last Word: Between a rock and a brick

    Willdale’s Q3 performance shows a company caught between structural vulnerability and strategic reinvention. Working capital shortages have crippled production and sales, leaving Willdale unable to meet robust demand in the construction sector. Yet the pivot into property development offers a potential lifeline, if not a fundamental transformation.

    The critical question is whether Willdale is building a bridge to sustainable growth or merely postponing the inevitable reckoning. For investors, the story is both compelling and cautionary: a chance to back a turnaround grounded in real estate monetization, but also a reminder of how thin the margins are between resilience and fragility in Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape.
    —fx

  • Borrowdale Residents and Ratepayers Association hands over community project

    MEMBERS of the Borrowdale Residents and Ratepayers Association (BRRA) scored a first yesterday when they officially handed over community projects to Harare City Council at a colourful function yesterday.

    BRRA handed over the Helenvale business centre bus stop shelter and garden, a waste separation centre and the renovated Borrowdale Clinic.

    Speaking at the ceremony, BRRA chairperson Robert Mutyasira said the residents intended to construct for the country a world-class community recreation centre with facilities that allow locals to showcase their abilities and energy.

    “As you may be aware, most of the recreational facilities in this ward are privately owned and have restricted access, leaving the bulk of our residents, especially the youth, with nowhere to unleash their energy and agility, thus exposing them to inappropriate engagements and activities,” he said.

    “This is not a beginning, but a continuation of a preceding culture of community co-operation and resilience that we have holistically inherited and embraced.”

    Mutyasira said community development contributed to the general national development.

    “It is those aspirations that we have seen as our goal, the pleasure that others may be enjoying while we work tirelessly, committing resources, time, expertise and unwavering dedication to a worthy cause,” he said.

    “Community development precedes national development. It is the more than necessary building block in the transformation of the entire nation.

    “The bus stop perimeter fence is 80% complete and more beautification ideas and lighting are pending. All these developments will require day-to-day maintenance.

    “At this juncture, I wish to make it known to all of us that for 2025, we have once again taken up another ambitious challenge.”

    In a speech read on his behalf by councillor Stanley Manyenga, Harare mayor Jacob Mafume applauded the collaboration between council and BRRA.

    “The BRRA has shown a new and effective way forward, it has not been just an association of home owners, it has been a development partner,” he said.

    “The council’s role is to plan, regulate and provide the framework for progress and have the technical aspect, that institutional capacity, but you the residents have the on the ground knowledge and community spirit,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Charles Tawengwa, in a speech read on his behalf by the director for infrastructure planning and environmental management in his office, Engineer Herbert Parichi, applauded BRRA for setting an example for other communities.

    “What has been done by BRRA comes to us as a learning platform to those who have not started yet and also to our government ministries, departments and agencies we should keep in support of such initiatives,” he said. —NewsDay

  • Manicaland’s Infrastructure Drive Gains Traction

    THE long-awaited Christmas Pass Bypass Road project as well as other road upgrading projects in Manicaland province, have finally broken ground, with Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona applauding the progress made so far.

    Minister Mhona stressed that Government remains dedicated to deliver modern and durable infrastructure in the province, and across the country.

    Minister Mhona toured the construction site last week, where he witnessed first-hand the project’s transformation from a long-standing promise to an active construction reality.

    Earthworks are already underway, serving as a tangible testament to Government’s commitment to the project. This development is a significant milestone for the province, as the Christmas Pass Bypass Road seeks to address the persistent safety concerns and traffic congestion associated with the existing, and meandering route — and eventually enhance road safety and facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people in the province.

    The project’s scope includes the construction of three modern traffic interchanges, modelled after the Trabablas Interchange in Harare, at both ends of the 31,2km bypass road. The construction is being undertaken by Leengate Private Limited, with an expected completion timeline of a year, and a project value of US$99 million.
    In addition to the bypass road, the project also encompasses the rehabilitation of the Sakubva (Murahwa) People’s Green Market Bridge, which has been in a state of disrepair for an extended period.

    “The Christmas Pass Bypass Road has been long overdue, but we are now witnessing tangible progress. We have transitioned from planning to action, with construction underway on the 31,2km bypass road, which will feature three interchanges. I am pleased to report that the project is on track to meet its deadline, with contractors committing to deliver the road within a year,” said Minister Mhona.

    Minister Mhona explained that the contractors have assured Government that the road will be completed and handed over within 13 months.
    The bypass is expected to significantly alleviate congestion at the notorious Christmas Pass section along the Harare-Mutare Highway, where motorists have long suffered delays due to steep gradients, heavy traffic, and accident risks.

    Minister Mhona said the road’s progress is a testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to modernising national infrastructure under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.

    He reiterated Government’s determination to ensure that all road projects nationwide adhere to the highest standards of quality.

    “As a ministry, we are witnessing widespread rehabilitation projects in Mutare and beyond. This progress is a result of collective effort, and I would like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, for allocating the necessary resources,” said Minister Mhona.

    He highlighted a significant shift in Government’s approach to project funding, abandoning the previous practice of releasing funds upfront.

    “Under the new system, payments are only made upon satisfactory completion of work. We have stationed resident engineers at every site to monitor progress and quality, ensuring that subpar work is a thing of the past,” said Minister Mhona.

    In addition to the bypass road, Minister Mhona revealed that the expansion of Forbes Border Post is also a top priority for Government. Feasibility studies have been completed, and major construction work is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

    “Forbes Border Post has long been a bottleneck due to its narrow infrastructure, struggling to cope with increasing traffic volume.
    We are committed to widening and modernising the facility to facilitate seamless movement of goods and people, transforming it into a world-class border post and boosting trade in the province,” said Minister Mhona.

    Addressing another congestion hotspot, Minister Mhona said Government is also tackling the bottleneck at the bridge near the flyover along the Mutare-Chimanimani Highway.

    “The stretch has been problematic for years, with the road narrowing at the bridge, causing unnecessary delays. To address this, we are installing a temporary bridge to ensure smooth four-lane traffic flow while we work on a permanent solution. This is part of our broader commitment to enhancing connectivity and ease of movement within the city,” he said.

    In other developments proving that Government is walking the talk in the inclusive development agenda, contractors now on site to commence surfacing the Odzi-Marange, Headlands-Chiendambuya and Nyabadza-Odzi roads.

    Minister Mhona emphasised that these projects are integral to a comprehensive infrastructure development masterplan, designed to position Zimbabwe as a competitive economy.

    In an interview on the sidelines of the tour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza hailed the Christmas Pass Bypass project as a long-awaited solution to one of Mutare’s most pressing transport challenges.

    “The Christmas Pass road has been a persistent problem for us in Mutare. We are thrilled that the bypass road project is now underway, featuring interchanges that will greatly improve traffic flow,” said Minister Mugadza.

    He also welcomed Government’s intervention at the Mutare-Chimanimani bridge, acknowledging the daily congestion struggles faced by motorists. “Traffic would often pile up at the bridge due to the narrow road, causing unnecessary delays. The Minister’s assurance that a temporary bridge will be constructed to facilitate four-lane traffic flow is indeed welcome news,” said Minister Mugadza.

    Both Ministers concurred that the projects would have far-reaching benefits, enhancing the lives of road users in Manicaland while strengthening provincial trade and transport systems.
    They emphasized that the roadworks are integral to Government’s broader strategy under Vision 2030, aimed at modernising infrastructure, stimulating economic growth, and creating a safer, more efficient transport network.—Manica Post

  • Sabhuku deals: Hazards of selling communal land

    The large billboard near Goromonzi High School, Mashonaland East, carries a stark warning: it is illegal to sell and buy land under the Communal Lands Act.

    Yet 40km east of Harare, this prohibition is routinely ignored as ultra-modern brick houses compete cheek by jowl with simple rural dwellings in an uneasy landscape of legal contradiction.

    Goromonzi communal lands present a district in transition — neither fully urban nor rural.

    Fancy suburban houses sit haphazardly between village thatched huts and tiny farm-brick houses, creating an awkward settlement pattern with no coherent planning. Mashona cows, goats, vehicles and humans mingle along dusty footpaths in a scene replicated across Seke, Domboshava, and other communal areas surrounding Harare.

    This transformation stems from a thriving illegal land market. Original occupants hive off family and ancestral lands, selling to land seekers attracted by ease of purchase, cheap prices, proximity to Harare, and fertile soils.

    The buyers range from local Zimbabweans to foreigners willing to pay “a few thousand US dollars” to village heads and chiefs.

    How Sabhuku deals work

    These transactions follow no scientific or legal standards.

    Land measurement relies on crude foot-stride counting methods unchanged since 367 BC.

    Parties may or may not enter written agreements, but typically the process involves payment to the seller, introduction to the village head and additional payment, and declaration of kinship ties.

    The declaration is often fabricated, allowing foreigners to become closely related to the local people. There is optional registration with the chief, depending on local protocols.

    No title deeds or valid cessions are possible since all transactions violate the Communal Lands Act, which restricts communal land to kinship-based allocation.

    Under Section 8, communal land cannot be sold, and occupancy rights cannot be ceded without proper authority.

    The illegal sales breach multiple statutory provisions as follows:

    Communal Lands Act

    Section 3 vests communal land in the President, while Section 8 prohibits sales and unauthorised transfers. Only the Rural District Council, after consultation with traditional leaders, can allocate land rights.

    Traditional Leaders Act

    Chiefs and headmen lack authority to authorise land sales, though they may facilitate proper allocation procedures.

    Regional Town and Country Planning Act

    The haphazard settlements violate planning laws, creating future infrastructure nightmares.

    Despite these clear prohibitions, enforcement remains minimal, with the Government appearing to turn blind eyes to the practice.

    Immediate appeal vs long-term consequences

    Superficially, these arrangements appear beneficial—willing buyer meets willing seller for unused land.

    Many plots belong to deceased relatives, emigrants, or daughters who married and moved away, making sales seem logical rather than letting land lie idle.

    For buyers, particularly those who could never otherwise own land, these transactions provide homeownership without administrative costs and bureaucratic hurdles that plague formal land acquisition.

    However, this market creates serious long-term problems such as erosion of traditional security.

    Rural homes have historically served as social security for Zimbabwe’s black population—a guaranteed fallback during crisis, retirement, or urban economic difficulties.

    This safety net is being permanently sold away.

    There is also the prospect of future homelessness as communal land becomes scarce and traditional support systems collapse; urban homelessness may increase dramatically.

    Also, social fragmentation as diverse communities with no traditional ties or common interests compete for limited resources, creating potential for conflict and rural crime. There are also planning disasters: Haphazard settlement without infrastructure planning creates future nightmares for service delivery and development

    The Government faces a complex challenge.

    Strict enforcement would displease thousands of current occupants and create humanitarian crises. Yet continued tolerance undermines the rule of law and threatens Zimbabwe’s traditional land tenure system.

    The phenomenon reflects deeper failures in formal land delivery systems. Where legal mechanisms fail to meet genuine housing needs, illegal markets emerge to fill the void.

    Rather than continued prohibition without enforcement, Zimbabwe needs legislative reform to amend communal land legislation to create regulated markets that protect traditional rights while allowing controlled transfers.

    There should be regularisation programmes and policies that develop mechanisms to legitimise existing settlements through proper planning and infrastructure provision.

    Institutional coordination is also needed to strengthen partnerships between rural district councils, traditional leaders, and central government to manage land allocation transparently.

    Also, community education, which deploys paralegals and extension officers to educate communities about legal implications before transactions occur, should be fostered.

    Lastly, alternative land delivery accelerates formal residential land systems and reduce pressure on communal areas.

    The illegal communal land market represents rational responses to genuine needs within a dysfunctional formal system.

    However, the current laissez-faire approach risks destroying traditional safety nets while creating future social problems. Policymakers must move beyond prohibition to pragmatic regulation that balances individual needs with collective security.

    The billboard’s warning in Goromonzi remains relevant, but only if backed by viable legal alternatives and consistent enforcement.

    Without urgent intervention, Zimbabwe risks losing both the rule of law and the traditional land tenure system that has provided security for generations. The time for honest discussion about communal land reform has arrived.

    This article was taken from The Herald. Miriam Tose Majome is a lawyer and a Commissioner with the Zimbabwe Media Commission. She writes in her personal capacity and can be contacted on mtmajome@gmail.com

  • Millions of dollars vanish in Harare’s ‘ghost projects’ . . .

    Millions of dollars allocated to the City of Harare for road rehabilitation and water infrastructure upgrades have disappeared under suspicious circumstances, with council records showing payments to contractors for projects that were never carried out, The Herald Checkpoint has reported.

    An internal audit conducted in 2019 revealed that at least 43 road rehabilitation contracts were fully paid for, yet no work was done on the ground.

    One of the companies implicated, Fossil Contracting, allegedly received US$1.7 million for work on Kelvin South Road — which remains untouched to this day.

    According to The Herald Checkpoint, council documents show that over US$7.4 million was disbursed to contractors in that year alone, but site inspections confirmed none of the projects had been implemented. In some cases, payments were made before contractors had even mobilised to site, raising concerns of collusion between council officials and service providers.

    Harare acting finance director Mr Godfrey Kusangaya admitted to the problem while appearing before the Justice Maphios Cheda-led Commission of Inquiry into council operations.

    “We do not have a consolidated balance sheet that includes entities such as Harare Quarry, Rufaro Marketing, or City Parking. We rely on manual records which are often incomplete or delayed,” he said.

    The investigation also uncovered irregularities in the procurement of materials for water infrastructure.

    In 2013, the City of Harare secured a US$144 million loan from China Eximbank for the rehabilitation of the Morton Jaffray Waterworks, but key components of the project were never delivered.

    Sidal Engineering was controversially awarded a major pipe replacement contract without public tender and reportedly failed to start work despite receiving substantial advance payments.

    The Herald Checkpoint report also highlighted the awarding of a US$9.2 million street lighting tender to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, linked to businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu. Investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission resulted in the arrest of town clerk Hosiah Chisango for allegedly bypassing procurement rules.

    An audit into Harare Quarry, a council-owned entity, revealed the disappearance of US$4.5 million in loans advanced by the city in 2018. Auditor Parker Randall found no loan agreements, repayment plans, or supporting documentation — but did find ghost employees and inflated salaries.

    Despite these revelations, residents continue to endure poor service delivery, with pothole-ridden roads, frequent water cuts, and burst sewer pipes.

    The Government has since ordered forensic audits into all municipal contracts awarded between 2017 and 2024.

    Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe described the findings as unacceptable.

    “The level of financial mismanagement uncovered at the City of Harare is unacceptable. Funds meant to improve lives are being looted with no accountability,” he said.

    The Commission of Inquiry has since submitted its full report to the President’s Office. City of Harare spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama did not respond to questions sent via WhatsApp, although the messages were marked as read.

  • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance requirement, game changer in real estate sector

    By Blessing V. Bonga
    THE move by Government to make Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance a legal requirement for all listed companies in Zimbabwe under Statutory Instrument 134 of 2019, has undoubtedly brought in a new perspective in the real estate sector in terms of property valuation.

    The directive also positions the country’s corporate reporting standards in sync with global standards in environmental, social, and governance disclosures. In simple terms, ESG compliance is the criteria that collectively establishes the framework for assessing the impact of the sustainability and ethical practices, financial performance or operations of a company, asset or liability. It is an outline for establishments to systematically address sustainability concerns.

    ESG reporting involves disclosing non-financial information related to environmental, social and governance issues to both internal (within the organisation) and external stakeholders, such as local communities.

    The emergence of sustainability reporting standards stems from experiences where companies selectively shared positive outcomes while deliberately ignoring negative aspects. At the recently held Zimbabwe Construction Industry Association (ZCIA) annual conference in Harare, association Vice President, and Property Investment Manager at the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), Mrs. Joyline Murekachiro weighed in on the importance of ESG in the property sector, since this now has a significant impact when it comes to valuation.

    “ESG has relevant risks and opportunities, so the parties that are included in the design and construction of structures have to be aware of the legislation and framework that relate to ESG-compliant buildings. For your own information, currently, for those who do property valuations, I am sure we are all aware that, according to the current international valuation standards, which came into effect in February this year, you are supposed to consider ESG in your valuation, which means whatever the properties and characteristics of your building, they now determine the value,” she said.

    The property valuation expert added that as long as a property is not ESG-compliant, it will definitely attract a lower market value as opposed to a building that is compliant. So, when talking of environmental issues, under ESG, we usually focus on the natural world and the impact of humans on the same.

    For example, the contribution to pollution when it comes to air, land, water, and also the exposure of assets to disasters such as floods and droughts, and also the characteristics of assets in terms of resource scarcity, such as energy and water consumption efficiency.

    This is also where issues to do with protecting human health and comfort by considering thermal comfort, daylighting, natural ventilation, functionality, and aesthetics come under scrutiny. Of late, there has also been rampant construction on wetlands that continues to go unchecked, especially in Harare, despite continuous lobbying against the practice, by residents.

    She called upon the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to play their regulatory role to ensure that, as contractors, whatever they are constructing, is done on proper land, not on wetlands, so that we don’t affect our ecosystems.

    All these critical issues discussed fall under sustainability, and need to be fully addressed if the requirements for ESG-compliance and sustainability of a building are to be met. Mrs. Murekachiro therefore challenged players in the real estate, and construction industries to seriously consider the provisions of the ESG Statutory instrument so that in the end, they give the market a product, commercial property, or residential property that is sustainable.

    “Emphasis now, is that the players in the real estate industry or in the building environment are supposed to consider this so that at the end of the day, when they give us their product, say it’s a commercial property or a residential property, it has to be sustainable.

    “And at the same time, it’s supposed to be ESG-compliant, and for a building to be ESG-compliant, the waste management protocols are also supposed to be considered. You have to consider materials that are recyclable. You also have to consider the issue of capital expenditure and your recurring maintenance outlays. This is to do with your operating expenses, all these have to be manageable.

    “So, whatever you are considering in terms of the materials for your property is supposed to ensure that at the end of the day, the building is flexible enough in terms of having low operating costs and capital expenditure to whoever is interested in buying and occupying the building. So, it means you, as the contractor, are also supposed to comply, your company is supposed to have an ESG policy. You are also supposed to report at the end of the year when you do your financials to testify how you have complied with ESG reporting,” she added.

  • Cost-efficient approach critical in growth of local construction industry

    By Blessing V. Bonga

    A systematic portfolio approach and digital collaboration, are two critical approaches that can be adopted in order to ensure a rapid improvement in terms of planning, funding modalities, building, and maintenance of infrastructure, thereby mitigating against depreciation of properties on the market, a senior industry official and expert recently said.

    In a presentation in Harare last week, during the Zimbabwe Construction Industry Association (ZCIA) annual conference, Zimbabwe Cyber City and Zimbabwe Global Investments (ZGI) Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Tendayi Hlupo-Mamvura told delegates that working in silos has resulted in a lot of repercussions that are retrogressive to the construction sector.

    “Our built environment faces serious delivery challenges, projects happen in silos, data is fragmented, and stakeholders often work in parallel rather than in partnership. I want to share two strategic tools, the systematic portfolio approach and the digital collaboration, which can rapidly improve how we plan, how we fund, build, and maintain infrastructure in our country.”

    “Most of you know that because of the fragmentation of the infrastructure that we have, most developments are happening outside of the main sewer line, right? So, a lot of the time when people are looking for land to develop, the first question they ask is where is it in relation to a sewer line? And then when there is no sewer line, what people have been doing is coming up with solutions, right…Biodigesters, right?”

    “So, we could be having 20 different developments at the moment, with a proposal submitted to build 20 different biodigesters. The cost of building 20 individual biodigesters, for 20 different developments is not efficient. We could simply all pull our resources together and we could improve the system, that is the infrastructure which is there right now, and we will end up with something that serves the whole city or the whole of Zimbabwe more efficiently,” she said.

    Ms. Hlupo-Mamvura added that the unavailability of essential, basic infrastructure such as road networks, sewer and water reticulation facilities in most housing facilities had a negative impact on property value.

    In the northern suburbs where the majority of residents have resorted to drilling boreholes to bridge the gap, properties have since lost value by close to 20%, a situation that is worrying to players in the real estate business.

    This undesired state of affairs has also been exacerbated by individualistic approaches and working in silos.The industry expert added that 71% of public infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe are delayed, while 55% of projects experience cost overruns, while a staggering 80% of the projects that are built do not include life-cycle management plans.

    Hlupo-Mamvura further bemoaned, “As long as we continue to build in silos, we will continue to build problems, which is what we’re doing right now. The problems we are facing today in terms of infrastructure support have not happened overnight. There are problems we have been building for over the last 20 years. So, the numbers don’t lie and we continue to look at the numbers and continue to go in the opposite direction in terms of our planning, in terms of what we actually do.”

    Under a systemic portfolio approach, stakeholders move from managing stand alone projects to managing portfolios that are of interconnected projects which are tied to national goals.

    This in turn will ensure alignment, while reducing duplication and subsequently enhancing a long term impact. Benefits that are then derived from such an approach include shared procurement, risk diversification, strategy alignment and consolidated reporting.

    In relation to the suggested approaches, Ms Hlupo-Mamvura posed a pertinent question to the National Housing and Social Amenities Minister, Honorable Zhemu Soda with regards to progress made by Government in coming up with a digital platform for approval processes.

    She argued that one of the biggest obstacles that industry players are faced with is to do with compliance issues.

    Most land developers are said to be waiting for periods in excess of two years; this owing to, either limited resources or paperwork moving from one office to the other countless times.

    “With regards to this platform, I think this is a very welcome proposal that will enable quick approvals to be achieved as a result of a platform like this. But let me indicate that already you might have noticed that the government has taken a lead in ensuring that a number of hurdles that have been affecting our investment environment within a number of sectors are eliminated.

    “We have started the process of streamlining a number of processes including the levies, including taxes, the permits, the bureaucracies that people face on a day-to-day basis whenever they are transacting with government. So this would be a welcome initiative so that in the process of streamlining our activities and the various stages for which projects are subjected to, we will consider coming up with this platform,” responded Minister Soda.

    The Minister went on to explain that Government was on a drive across all ministries to improve efficiency in terms of the ease of doing business.

    As such the issue of coming up with a digital platform would also include the ministry of Local Government, where most of these permits and approvals are done. This would ensure that processes would be streamlined to reduce the turnaround times for various projects and investments.