Residents of Eastview in Caledonia are protesting compulsory monthly payments being demanded by the Eastview Area Development Committee for a major road-upgrading project, prompting a government warning that the move is unlawful.
In a notice dated 10 November 2025, the EADC—working with Tongoville Park Housing Cooperative—announced that road construction to tar level had begun and that all residents in Phases 1 to 21 were required to contribute financially.
The committee set the payments at US$20 per month for stands measuring 200m² to 399m², and US$40 per month for stands between 400m² and 1000m². Residents were instructed to make payments at Tongoville Grounds beginning 4 November 2025, with contributions expected to continue until all roadworks were complete.
The notice also warned that stand owners who defaulted would have their property taken as surety, risking loss of their land.
“Any stand that fails to make such payments shall be attached to the developer… and the developer will be at liberty to sell such stands to recover his costs,” the letter reads.
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The directive has triggered outrage among residents, who say they never consented to the levy and fear the threat of losing their stands.
In a letter dated 4 December 2025, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development cautioned the EADC that its actions were outside the law.
“Please be advised that your request is unlawful and contrary to cooperative by-laws,” wrote Provincial Development Officer T. Nyamadzawo.
The ministry emphasised that cooperatives and development committees can only demand contributions from their registered members—not the wider community.
“You therefore cannot legally demand financial contributions from residents or stand owners who are not members of your cooperative… You are only permitted to request the US$20, US$40 and US$100 contributions from your own members,” the ministry said.
Residents say the attempted enforcement has created confusion and fear, with many accusing the committee of using threats to coerce payments.
The ministry urged the EADC to comply with national legislation and to ensure transparency and lawful conduct in community development initiatives.
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