Ingezi community, Kadoma council clash over land

Audrey Galawu

The Ingezi community of Kadoma has accused the local council of corruptly awarding a local businessman land belonging to the community after failing to give residents coherent information.

The land, which is a community ground in Ward 1, was reportedly sold to a businessman, Father Flowers to build his private school.

The Ingezi community had expressed their disapproval of the sale of the ground which has been used by the community for activities, sports, tournaments and other recreational activities.

Speaking to Zim Now, Ingezi Sports Committee secretary, Moses Makarichi said the Ingezi community complained to the council earlier in August that the land had been grabbed by the businessman when a plumber installed water connections on the grounds.

Some unknown people allegedly deployed by Father Flowers also brought in cabins to begin construction works on the grounds.

“We, the community, approached the current councillor for Ward 1, Mr James Maluso for information but he was ignorant on the issue.

“We later approached Mr Luke Phiri who told us that there was no council resolution on the sale of the land.

“On September 29, councillor Maluso addressed the community, giving feedback and stated he had been assured that the grounds had not been sold. He stated that what was sold was the land next to the grounds.

“We then approached the current Mayor, Mr Nigel Ruzario who assured us that the land was not sold.

“On October 2, 2023, after touring the grounds, the mayor addressed the community and confirmed that the grounds had been sold to Father Flowers to build his private school,” he said.

Makarichi added that they wrote a letter to the mayor which he has not responded to until now.

However, Kadoma Mayor Nigel Ruzario has denied any underhanded activities with Father Flowers, citing that the council has only leased the land to the businessman without any outright sale.

Ruzario said council agreed not to sell the land but to allow development.

“We must be clear on two things, there are two pieces of land, one which is 3.3 hectares and the ground, which is 1 hectare. We never sold any land. As a council, we resolved that the ground should not be sold and should remain where it is.

“The open space was leased to Father Flowers, who offered to develop it. We resolved with him that if he does develop the space, it would remain open to the community and not become his personal property.

“The other issue is that, another businessman offered to develop the stadium while Father Flowers offered the ground development, we resolved with them that they should work together to develop both spaces.

Meanwhile, the ZHRA has called upon the Kadoma City council to respect the rights of the residents of Ingezi and reverse any purported sale of Ingezi community grounds to Father Flowers or any other private player.

The organisation said the council should make a clear commitment to the community that they will respect the community’s right to enjoy their land and all the social privileges it provides free from interference.

“Investigate allegations of corrupt land deals in the city council and desist from threatening and harassing community human rights defenders in Kadoma and specifically the leaders of the Ingezi community who are standing up for the rights of their community.

The organisation has also called upon the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate allegations of corrupt land deals in Kadoma City Council.