By Staff Reporter
HARARE – Petitioners have written to Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe to investigate circumstances leading to the construction of shops meant for small to medium enterprises amid concerns that the construction was illegal and bordering on criminality.
Shockingly, the petition comes shortly after Ward 16 Mabelreign Councillor Denford Ngadziore has vocally rejected the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) in Zimbabwe, arguing that it violates citizens’ rights and undermines the constitution.
He has since expressed concerns that the Bill seeks to diminish the rights of citizens, specifically regarding voting rights.
The petition dated April 11 was also copied to Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tawengwa, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) chairman, Michael Reza and Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume.
Signed by 20 people, the petition called for an investigation on Councillor Denford Ngadziore and the Managing Director of a private company, Cartin Mark Up Investments identified as F Manyika in relation to what the petitioners describe as unlawful developments in Mabelreign.
“The site behind ZESA offices in Mabelreign is a designated public car park. No full council resolution has been produced authorizing a change of land use,” the petition reads in part.
The petitioners say the idea for SMEs’ temporary market did not reach the full council for approval through a resolution, rendering it unlawful.
Structures were demolished after an outcry despite claims that Ngadziore had been exonerated after documents emerged, indicating council was aware of the development.
Documents revealed that the construction of a structure at the Mabelreign shops for small to medium enterprises was known to council and was not an individual issue.
The demolition came at the instigation of Mayor Jacob Mafume, who fumed during a full council meeting over alleged leaking of council documents in apparent reference to documents circulating on social media over committee meetings on the issue.
