The City of Harare is facing a critical shortage of land for new developments and has announced plans to implement a densification policy that includes utilizing areas traditionally classified as wetlands.

Acting Town Planner Samuel Nyabezi addressed recent accusations of corruption linked to the sale of large plots on wetland areas, which have prompted concerns and complaints from local residents. Nyabezi firmly denied the allegations, emphasizing that all development projects undergo thorough scrutiny.

Last week, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Climate Change conducted an inspection of several wetland properties, including the Pokugara estate by West Properties. The committee also reviewed the council’s contentious allocation of 14 residential stands at Mt Pleasant Sports Club—land initially designated for a golf course.

Nyabezi assured that all development decisions in Harare are made after careful evaluation and in close consultation with relevant stakeholders, notably the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

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