In a shocking turn of events, a Chinese company’s wall built on disused railway tracks in Harare came crashing down after town officials deemed it illegal. Because, you know, building over railway lines is a great way to test the city’s patience.
The company, which recently acquired the property at 44 Tilbury Road, next to Masimba Holdings’ headquarters, thought it would be a brilliant idea to build a perimeter wall for security purposes. Unfortunately, they forgot to check if it was a good idea to build over old railway lines. Oops.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) stepped in to clarify that the rail line was disused and privately owned. They also mentioned that the company built the wall to prevent thieves from accessing their property. Because, apparently, thieves can’t climb walls or find alternative entry points.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said the wall was built without council approval, and the Development Control Team paid a visit to the property owner to address the issue. The council ordered the demolition of the part of the wall built too close to the railway line. Better late than never, right?
Workmen were seen demolishing the wall on Tuesday, following the council’s instructions. The sound of crumbling concrete and the sight of dust flying everywhere must have been music to the ears of those who value following regulations.
This case sets a precedent for property owners in Harare, emphasizing the need to comply with local regulations and obtain necessary permits before building. The council’s action demonstrates its commitment to enforcing building codes and regulations. Let’s hope this serves as a reminder to all property owners to do their due diligence before construction projects.
The incident raises questions about the city’s infrastructure and planning. Will this incident lead to a review of building regulations and enforcement? Only time will tell. For now, let’s just enjoy the sight of a wall coming down.
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