Harare Mayor Steps In After Councillor Accused Of Building ‘Tuckshops’ In Mabelreign
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has ordered the halting of construction at Mabelreign shopping centre after a City of Harare councillor, Denford Ngadziore, was accused of building tuckshops on a designated parking area, sparking heated debate on social media between residents, city officials and the mayor himself.
The controversy erupted on 9 April 2026 when residents questioned the construction underway at Mabelreign shops, with critics alleging that permanent structures were being built on land designated for parking. The issue quickly gained traction online, prompting Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume to publicly intervene on 10 April 2026.
Mayor Mafume confirmed that construction would be stopped while the city reviews the situation.
“All construction there will be halted. The place is for parking and any construction should be of temporary structures, not brick and mortar. The car park should be restored. If need be, a weekend market can be set up such as the Avondale or Borrowdale markets,” said Mafume.
Mayor Responds To Questions Over Oversight
The mayor also responded to questions about how the construction was allowed to proceed without his knowledge.
After being asked why the project was happening “under your very nose”, Mafume defended the city’s governance structure.
“The city is one of the biggest cities in Southern Africa and unfortunately my nose is not the biggest in Africa. A lot of construction is happening in Harare. We rely on various routes to deal with a situation once it is brought up. We need all our noses!” Mafume said.
Earlier, Mafume also clarified that he had not authorised the construction.
“No I did not! We will look into what’s the issue in consultation with the community,” he added.
The exchange followed mounting concerns from residents who questioned the nature of the structures being built at the busy suburban shopping centre.
Councillor Ngadziore Defends Project
Councillor Denford Ngadziore responded on 9 April 2026, explaining that the development followed consultations with residents and the Ward Development Committee.
“Consultations with the Ward Development Committee and residents have been done to restore order around Mabelreign Shops. Many illegal traders are operating on shop pavements and in parking space,” Ngadziore said.
He further explained that the project involves the construction of small trading shops, funded by a private businessperson.
“A local businessperson has donated construction of the small trading shops to Council. This will be followed by rehabilitation of the whole parking area. This includes installation of boom gates to regulate traffic as illegal transport operators have invaded the space while some used the parking space as overnight car park.”
Ngadziore also revealed that demand for the spaces was high.
“Have been advised that over 200 residents have applied to Council for these trading spaces. This clearly speaks to the level of demand.”
He added that the area had previously been misused.
“This area for years was previously an illegal dumpsite with an illegal toilet, is now being put to better use.”
Residents Raise Transparency Concerns
Some residents also questioned how the shops were being allocated.
One user claimed the shops were already occupied despite no public announcements.
“Don’t get started on how all these stores are now occupied, despite no adverts being flighted,” one resident wrote.
Ngadziore dismissed the claim.
“Not true,” he responded.
The debate continues as the City of Harare prepares to review the construction and determine the next course of action following the mayor’s directive issued on 10 April 2026.
The post Harare Mayor Halts Mabelreign ‘Tuckshops’ Construction After Public Outcry appeared first on iHarare News.
