A recent controversy has been brewing in Harare’s Willowvale industrial area, where a wall was built across a railway track. The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has issued a statement clarifying the situation, but concerns remain about the legality and implications of the construction.
According to NRZ, the wall was built by a Chinese-owned company that acquired the property at 44 Tilbury Road in 2023. The property includes a disused railway siding that once serviced a factory, and the company built the wall as a security measure to protect their premises and deter theft. NRZ claims that they have no jurisdiction over disused private sidings, but they understand that the City of Harare is reviewing the matter.
However, some have raised concerns about the legality of the construction. A disused railway line is not automatically decommissioned, and any permanent structure built over it would require change of land use approval, building permits, and environmental clearance. If the City of Harare did not approve the wall, it could be considered illegal under municipal planning laws.
NRZ’s policies on Privately Operated Sidings state that while these sidings are for the exclusive use of the customer, they are subject to approval by NRZ. This means that any modifications or constructions on such sidings would require NRZ approval. Some argue that the company should have gone through NRZ clearance and City of Harare building and zoning approvals before building the wall.
While NRZ’s explanation provides context to the situation, concerns about the legality and implications of the construction remain. The City of Harare’s review will likely shed more light on the matter. As the situation unfolds, it’s essential to consider the complexities of infrastructure planning, private property rights, and regulatory oversight.
Ultimately, the Great Wall of Willowvale highlights the need for clarity and cooperation between regulatory bodies, private companies, and the public. By working together, we can ensure that infrastructure development is done in a way that balances private interests with public needs and regulatory requirements.
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