Harare City Confirms Demolition Plans For Vainona Double Storey Building Its Own Inspectors Approved

Harare Council To Demolish Building It Approved In Vainona

A bitter legal showdown is brewing in one of Harare’s suburbs after city authorities confirmed a double-storey building will be torn down, even though their own inspectors approved the plans. The standoff in Vainona centres on a structure at the intersection of Alpes and Grant Roads, which the Harare City Council says illegally encroaches onto the road.

Residents fear a costly compensation bill is mounting as the owner continues to add final touches. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has stated the council’s position is unmoving, blaming flawed initial inspections for the crisis.

Mayor Vows Demolition Despite Legal Fight

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume recently confirmed the city’s hardline stance. He stated that the policy decision to demolish the building is final, citing its construction too close to the road.

“We have issued the positions as policymakers that it was built wrongly. There is no problem in building, but the way it was built close to the road edge,” Cllr Mafume said. “It’s going to end with one result. It’s going to end in being brought down.”

The Mayor acknowledged that the process is currently stalled by court action from the property owner.

“The owner, for some reason or the other, insists on keeping it the way it is, using a flurry of tactics which includes litigation… once the court processes they have initiated are done, we will get a clearer picture,” he added.

Council Admits “Critical” Inspection Failure

The core of the dispute lies in the council’s own admitted error. Last year, the Acting Director of Urban Planning, Samuel Nyabezi, criticised his department’s inspectors for a lack of due diligence when they approved the building plans.

“Inspections were conducted by our building inspectors, but it’s clear that some of them failed to think critically,” Mr Nyabezi stated. “They simply approve every plan they receive with a stamp, neglecting to compare the approved plans with the actual site conditions.”

This admission has left the building owner, Allen Shonhiwa, in a difficult position. In a previous interview, he maintained his innocence, telling the CheckPoint Desk, “everything was done above board.” He claimed he had never been formally notified of any demolition order by the council.

Residents Divided Over “Unfair” Target And Cost

The impending demolition has split local opinion. Some residents worry the council’s delay will result in a heavier financial burden for taxpayers, as the owner enhances the property. One resident, identified only as Mr Ranga, expressed this concern on site.

“Look, when this issue was first raised, the building had not even been painted. Now, the owner is adding the finishing touches, which means the council will have to pay more in compensation because the structure’s value is increasing.”

Other locals, like resident Tendai Sika, question why this particular building is being singled out.

“While I am not a town planner, this building has stood for years without an issue,” she said. “Many buildings in the central business district are situated just as close to the road, so I fail to see how this is any different.”

The council has so far refused to be drawn on potential compensation. When asked if the city would pay for its mistake in approving the plans, Mayor Mafume deflected, stating,