Category: News

WINDMILL Limited, involved in the production and supply of fertilisers and agrochemicals, has raised an alarm over the fraudulent activities of a group of individuals purporting to sell residential stands on its land property, Lot FA Kinvara, in Westgate.

The disputed land, measuring 65,2436 hectares, is being fraudulently marketed under the name “Tsikwi Phase 1 (Westgate Extension)” activities by Aspire Mutingwende, Taremedzwa Kapungu and their associates, operating through Redrev (Pvt) Ltd and other fronts.

“These individuals are land barons and have no legal authority to sell, allocate, or advertise this land on behalf of Windmill.

“Further to that, on 7 August 2025, the High Court of Zimbabwe, under Case No. HCH3919/25, issued an urgent order directing Taremedzwa Kapungu and all persons acting through or on their behalf, including Aspire Mutingwende, to vacate the property immediately, failing, which the Sheriff of Zimbabwe has been authorised to enforce the eviction.

“Members of the public are therefore strongly warned against entering into any agreements, making payments, or committing to stand allocations being offered by these individuals or their representatives on the Windmill land,” Windmill said in a statement.

It added that engaging with them exposes home seekers and investors to serious financial loss and future legal disputes, as any such transactions are null and void.

Windmill said it was working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Sheriff, and other relevant authorities to enforce the High Court order and protect the public from these fraudulent schemes.

Land barons have been causing havoc in urban areas, fleecing desperate home-seekers; however, the Government has always warned against land barons who continue to parcel out land to unsuspecting home-seekers countrywide.

The Government has reaffirmed its position that all urban land should be distributed through legal entities in conjunction with local authorities.

Windmill is Zimbabwe’s largest fertiliser producer, as well as the largest manufacturer in southern Africa, outside South Africa.

According to the Windmill chief executive Mr Kudakwashe Mundowozi, the company is producing between 7 000 and 9  000 tonnes of fertiliser monthly, with output calibrated to seasonal demand and raw material availability.

In a recent interview, he said the company is also exploring export opportunities into the region and developing enhanced product lines, including stockfeed variants, veterinary supplements and biological input lines.

Zimbabwe’s fertiliser industry has faced challenges, including declining production capacity due to foreign currency shortages and reliance on imports for some raw materials.

However, the country has a well-developed fertiliser industry with local production of phosphate fertilisers and ongoing efforts to increase local production of other types of fertilisers and reduce reliance on imports.

The current demand for fertiliser averages 630 000 tonnes a year, including compounds, blends and top dressing, with 330 000 tonnes for compounds and blends and 300 000 tonnes for top dressing.—Zimpapers

By Kuda Pembere

There is an outcry from land developers in Zimbabwe’s housing construction industry, with claims that banks are stripping away their profit margins.

The contractors said the institutions are straying from their core mandate of funding.

The issue came up at last week’s annual Construction Industry Association of Zimbabwe (CIAZ) conference, after it was mentioned that financial institutions are actively seeking housing projects to fund.

For Zimbabwe Global Investments (ZGI) Chief Executive Tendai Hlupo-Mamvura, the role of banks should remain that of providing funding, not taking over projects. She said developers are finding projects financed through banks more expensive than those awarded via competitive tender.

“My question to the presenter, who happens to be my neighbor here, is the origin of the separation of responsibilities, and all that was to create checks and balances along the way. Now you put in everyone in her one house; how do you ensure equity? Because, practically, there is outcry to say the project that has been done through a bank process tends to be more costly than the ones that are going through competitive tender. How do you respond to that? she said.

She said starting a housing project journey with a bank has led many land developers to complain of thin margins.

“There is one question again, the question I just want to ask regarding the collaboration with banks. I don’t know how many people here have attempted to engage banks at the inception of projects. A lot of the time the banks have actually become sharks, and when they become your partner, they literally take most of your margin away, and you’re actually left working for the banks.

“It’s like sometimes when people are also doing developments, where a developer comes and takes a piece of land and then they say, ‘Oh, we’ll give you three units,’ and then they walk away with a development with 20-something other units, and the owner of the land is left with nothing.

“I think it would be good to also sit at the table with the banks and remind them that their main responsibility is funding, not what, in the past, they’ve been called: nefarious activities. Where the banks themselves end up either charging you an interest of 52 percent per annum, which is not sustainable, or they are taking the project away from the developer such that the developer is effectively working for the bank,” she said.

Zimbabwe Institute of Quantity Surveyors (ZIQS) president Audily Chatora weighed in stating banks should stick to lending and leave construction to developers.

“It is only in Zimbabwe where you find banks developing. Banks’ core business should be to keep our money and lend money to developers to develop. If banks are doing that business and they want to be consultants, they want to put up construction teams, they are offline, and it should not even be allowed to continue. Say, with all due respect, your core business should be to keep our funds and loan out money for development projects, not for you to be partners in the context that we are doing at the moment, which eventually gives you a huge percentage of equity in an investment.

“This is what has been happening on the ground, and we are saying to our government, because we have taken and brought it to this conference, please relook at these. Streamline banks to go to their core business, and allow developers to do their core business,” he said.

National Building Society chief housing officer Engineer Peter Mukome defended the partnerships, saying banks are not “extracting value” but offering complementary resources, such as funding and land, to developers with skills and capacity.

Martin Chingaira, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ), said banks had approached the organisation expressing interest in partnering on housing projects.

“Then, coming to the issue of banks, these banks are the ones coming to our organization to say, ‘We would want to work with contractors who need funding when they’ve got bankable projects.’ So it’s a question of either you engage the bank through the feasibility study which we have, and they will see the bankability of the project, and you structure a deal which is a win-win situation. I think it can be done, but they are the ones coming to the Association looking for contractors.

“Then, over and above, we have got another organization called Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) which is under Mutapa. Before last year it was under the Reserve Bank. It is also saying it would want to work with investors who may need funding and other guarantees.

“They can look for funding themselves on a project which they are engaged in. So I think these meetings are needed whenever there is a bankable project,” he said.

Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) representative Wellington Siyamachira said his organisation has signed agreements with banks to provide security guarantees for developers lacking collateral, enabling more projects to proceed.

WORLD CONSTRUCTION NETWORK—CRH, a provider of building materials, has agreed to acquire Eco Material Technologies, a North American supplier of supplementary cementitious materials, for $2.1bn.

Upon completion, the business will continue to operate under the name Eco Material Technologies, a CRH Company.

CRH CEO Jim Mintern said: “This strategic acquisition further positions CRH as a leading cementitious player in North America with both cement and SCM [supply chain management] capabilities.

“This transaction demonstrates CRH’s disciplined approach to capital allocation, building market-leading positions in higher-growth markets with secular tailwinds and superior returns.

“As we continue to modernise North America’s infrastructure, this transaction secures the long-term supply of critical materials for future growth and puts CRH at the forefront of the transition to next-generation cement and concrete.”

Headquartered in Utah, Eco Material Technologies manages a comprehensive network of operations, including fresh and harvested fly ash, pozzolans, synthetic gypsum, and green cement.

Its distribution spans over 125 utility source locations, production facilities, and terminals. The company collaborates with major electric utilities to process and recycle approximately seven million tons of fly ash and three million tons of synthetic gypsum annually. Additional capacity is currently being developed.

Eco Material chair and CEO Grant Quasha said: “Eco Material is excited to enter a new phase of growth, partnering with industry leader CRH to enhance our scale and suite of offerings to our utility partners and ready-mix customers.

“CRH’s strong industry presence, coupled with its intense focus on safety, innovation and customer service pair perfectly with Eco Material’s key values.”

The deal is subject to regulatory approval and standard closing conditions, with an anticipated completion date in 2025.

CRH plans to finance the acquisition using available cash and anticipates no impact on its credit ratings.

NEWSDAY—Three Harare-based suspected land barons were on Monday arraigned before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo facing fraud charges involving US$320 000 after they allegedly distributed stands without proper authorization.

Tafadzwa Runesu, Siblinsiyo Mutiza and Ramos Masize were remanded in custody.

They are expected to return in court today for bail application on Tuesday.

The court heard that on unknown date but from 2022 to 2025, the three accused persons duped unsuspecting home seekers at Lot 14 Spitzkop Zvimba, a private entity represented by Khumbulani Magama.

It is alleged that the suspected land baron suspects told the home seekers that there were the lawful land owners of the land before issuing the victims with receipts to the privately-owned plot.

Due to the misrepresentation the trio allegedly fraudulently acquired US$320 000.

CONSTRUCTIONNEWS UK—The construction industry has seen a lot of change in the last couple of decades, whether it’s changing from manual to digital tools or letting go of unfair terms and conditions and finally giving subcontractors some authority. However, what the industry can’t seem to shake is its sexist attitudes.

“I still get men asking, ‘Is there a man in charge I can speak to?’”

While there have been efforts in recent years to encourage female applicants and broaden skill sets, senior leaders still fail to challenge and mitigate the risks male workers pose when they don’t treat colleagues equally and with respect. As a result, actions are repeated and victims are left in the dark – or quit altogether.

Being one of the few female managing directors in my industry has, unfortunately, invited unwarranted and outrageous comments and behaviour. For example, in June I did a LinkedIn post discussing unfair contracts and received a comment from a business owner saying “sort your eyebrows out girl they are shocking”. Whether online or offline, women can’t escape unnecessary comments that seek to undermine us.

When working in my office, I still get men asking, “Is there a man in charge I can speak to?” and then being surprised when they are in fact speaking to the person in charge. Negotiating contracts is stressful enough, but adding being a woman into the mix makes the process more tiresome.

Refuse to excuse

Despite climbing up the ranks and building a reputation as a reliable and dynamic leader, some men can’t get past the fact that I am the person who makes the decisions. Some people like to pretend that gender doesn’t matter or think it’s not a big deal, but it is, and for too long we have allowed women to face abuse alone.

In most industries, complaints trigger a formal process: HR involvement, documentation and a clear path to resolution. But in construction and trades, that structure is often missing. As a result, serious concerns can be overlooked, and responses lack the empathy and accountability they deserve.

A Unite survey shockingly revealed 31 per cent of women construction workers had been sexually assaulted at work and 54 per cent had been inappropriately touched. These figures are devastating, but sadly not surprising.

When inappropriate comments and outdated attitudes are tolerated, they create the conditions for assault and harassment to thrive. This industry needs to stop defending the indefensible and start listening, acting and protecting. We need leadership at every level that refuses to excuse or ignore this behaviour. That means real consequences for offenders, mandatory training, and safe ways for women

Real solutions

It’s time to stop sweeping this under the rug, and commit to creating environments where women feel respected, safe and valued.

This has started to happen when it comes to mental health in particular. The statistics in construction are horrifying, but thanks to social media and a greater emphasis on mental health in general, more people are speaking out and seeking help from peers and their company. The work has only just begun, though, and support could go a lot further to lift employees who are struggling.

With an industry desperately clinging to recruits and some companies at risk of insolvency, a unified approach is needed to implement real solutions that can translate across businesses in all sectors and put an end to sexist behaviour. Designated workshops, holistic benefits, stringent HR procedures, effective mental health support, increasing the number of female leadership positions – they all play a part in reducing barriers and fostering a positive culture that recognises all employees and their contributions.

Written by Lauren Walker who is the managing director of Aluminium Fire System

CONSTRUCTION ENQUIRER—New home registrations have slumped by 59% in London, dragging on otherwise modest UK-wide growth in house building during the second quarter of 2025.

Fresh figures from the NHBC show registrations across the UK rose 4% in Q2 compared to a year earlier.

But this masked sharp regional contrasts, with the capital suffering a 59% fall as developers and housing associations wrestle with delays linked to the Building Safety Regulator and tightening social housing budgets.

The UK’s largest warranty provider said a total of 30,405 new homes were registered in Q2 2025, up from 29,103 in the same period last year and slightly above Q1’s total.

But London was the standout laggard, recording the steepest drop of any region to 904 homes as the post-Grenfell high-rise safety regime continues to dent delivery and confidence in high-rise schemes.

The other big regional high rise market North West and Merseyside was down 18% at just over 2000 homes.

New flats registrations across the UK were down 23% year-on-year, with the NHBC pointing to a clear shift in developer focus towards low-rise homes. Terraced house registrations jumped 33%, while detached and semi-detached homes also saw gains of 7% and 5% respectively.

The rental and affordable sector saw just a 1% annual rise, with 9,481 homes registered in Q2.

Quarter-on-quarter growth was more promising at 6%, driven partly by fresh optimism from the Chancellor’s recent £39bn pledge for social and affordable housing over the next decade.

Steve Wood, NHBC chief executive, said: “While some areas of the market remain subdued, we remain optimistic about the longer-term as planning and land restraints are increasingly unblocked, mortgage rates ease and the Government sustains a focus on new home delivery.”

Outside of London, several regions saw strong registration growth, including Yorkshire and Humberside (+96%), the South West (+75%) and Northern Ireland (+44%).

NEWSDAY—Senior government officials have stepped in to rescue a multi-million-dollar Chinese-run cement plant in Magunje, Mashonaland West, as mounting community resistance and environmental concerns threaten to derail the project.

The Magunje Cement Plant, developed by Labenmon Investment (Pvt) Ltd, has become a flashpoint of tension, with villagers accusing the Chinese firm of environmental violations and demanding the relocation of the facility. Residents fear that the plant’s proximity to Magunje Dam – a key drinking water source for surrounding communities and military barracks – poses serious health and ecological risks. Concerns have also been raised over the loss of grazing land and inadequate consultation.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reportedly ordered a halt to the project over environmental concerns, while the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) continues investigations into the potential impact of the plant. Despite a High Court order to stop construction, villagers allege the Chinese company has defied the ruling and proceeded with operations. Reports of intimidation and arbitrary arrests targeting dissenting locals have further inflamed tensions.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi visited the site last Friday in an effort to understand the situation and mediate between stakeholders. Speaking after the visit, Ziyambi said he had gone as a senior Zanu PF official to assess the facts on the ground amid conflicting narratives about the project.

“I mainly went there to appreciate and be able to understand what the issues were,” said Ziyambi. “If this project had been approved, there would have been work permits and an Environmental Impact Assessment. If there are issues, let’s comply and move forward.”

He emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental compliance, urging stakeholders to find common ground.

“You cannot say you want to throw away something that can benefit you and future generations,” he said. “What is it that they want? Are we saying that in Zimbabwe, we cannot have a cement factory?”

Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa, who accompanied Ziyambi, echoed his sentiments. She said villagers had largely welcomed the project, describing it as an example of rural industrialisation aligned with Vision 2030.

“Out of almost 70 traditional leaders who attended the fact-finding meeting, only one had an issue,” said Mliswa. “The company has promised to address that matter.”

However, several villagers strongly oppose the project. One community member said: “We are against the unprocedural setting up of an industrial area, particularly a cement plant, in the catchment area of Magunje Dam, which supplies fresh water to the army barracks, schools, and hospitals.”

Audio recordings leaked from Friday’s meeting revealed concerns among traditional leaders. Chief Chanetsa admitted that although he had convened a consultation, some key voices were absent, creating divisions in the community.

“We did not start the project in a place like this,” he said. “We started it when it was still a forest, and we consulted the headmen. If Hurungwe prospers and a cement plant is constructed, we will be happy.”

Ziyambi responded by emphasizing unity: “It is supposed to be done when people are not fighting. If you fight with your brother, your rivals will be busy enjoying your benefits.”

Meanwhile, a high-level government official is said to have recently met with representatives from EMA, the Mines ministry, police, and other stakeholders in Magunje. Sources say the Presidium has expressed concern over the Chinese company’s activities, especially in light of the brewing local discontent.

Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo declined to comment.

As investigations continue, the future of the Magunje Cement Plant remains uncertain, with a resolution likely to hinge on whether the investors can meet environmental requirements and win back community trust.