ZNOART national chairman… Shalvar Chikomba
Staff Writer
Residents Apex body, Zimbabwe National Organization of Associations Residents Trust (ZNOART) says it has been concerned following a public notice that proposes opening Hatfield Golf open space in Harare into a residential suburb.
In a statement, ZNOART national chairman, Shalvar Chikomba said all conversion of public spaces, recreational facilities and environmental protected areas in the country must be done after consultation and getting a greenlight from residents.
“The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has noted with grave concern the public notice issued in terms of Section 49 (4) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12] regarding the proposed change of reservation of the Remaining Extent of Lot 227 Hatfield Township from a Golf Course/Open Space to residential stands,”said Chikomba.
“As ZNOART, we strongly oppose the continuous conversion of public open spaces, recreational facilities, wetlands, and environmentally protected areas into residential or commercial developments without meaningful consultation with residents and communities.
“Golf courses, recreational parks, and open spaces are not idle land. They are important environmental assets that contribute to:
. Environmental protection and climate balance
. Air purification and reduction of pollution
. Flood control and water preservation
. Community recreation and mental wellness
. Urban planning balance and beautification
. Preservation of future generations’ heritage,”said Chikomba.
Chikomba said the continued conversions of recreational facilities will have negative mental effects on local residents in the country who are on a daily basis endure poor service delivery.
“Zimbabwe is already facing serious challenges of overcrowding, poor urban planning, sewer crises, deforestation, and environmental degradation. The continued loss of open recreational spaces will worsen these challenges and negatively affect residents’ quality of life,” he said.
Chikomba called on authorities to preserve and protect recreational facilities across the country.
“We call upon the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to halt the proposed change of reservation.
The City of Harare and all local authorities to preserve and protect all public open spaces and recreational facilities.
Authorities to prioritise sustainable urban planning and environmental protection over uncontrolled land commercialization.
Residents and stakeholders to formally object to developments that threaten public interests and environmental sustainability.
“We further urge councils across Zimbabwe to reserve and safeguard places of public interest, including parks, sports grounds, wetlands, and recreational facilities for the benefit of present and future generations.
Development must not come at the expense of environmental preservation, proper urban planning, and community welfare.
ZNOART remains committed to advocating for transparency, accountability, sustainable development, and protection of residents’ rights and community spaces across Zimbabwe.”
The government on Wednesday announced a proposal to rezone part of Hatfield’s only golf course to make way for 17 residential stands, each measuring 2,000 square meters, sparking concerns over the loss of public open space in the capital.
A notice published by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works invites objections to a plan seeking to rezone the Remaining Extent of Lot 227 Hatfield Township from “Golf Course” to “residential” under Section 49(4) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12).
The property is currently designated as a golf course under the City of Harare’s operative Waterfalls/Hatfield Local Development Plan Number 26. The applicant proposes to create 17 residential stands, each measuring 2,000 square metres significantly larger than typical urban plots.
The notice, signed by Shingirayi Mushamba, Chief Director of Spatial Planning and Development, states that the Ministry is obliged to give public notice of its intention to consent to the change of reservation and to transfer the affected property free from any restrictions limiting its use to Public Open Space.