Staff Reporter

The Harare City Council is facing intense scrutiny and public outrage following allegations of corruption involving the sale of 10 000 unserviced residential stands in Mabvuku and Warren Park.

The scandal has sparked anger among potential homeowners and residents, who accuse the council of neglecting its responsibility to ensure proper infrastructure development before authorizing the sale of the stands.

Sources close to the issue claim that the Harare City Council permitted the sale of these stands in exchange for kickbacks from two private developers.

The decision to approve the transactions without completing the necessary infrastructure has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the council.

“The City Council has not only failed the residents of Harare but has also betrayed public trust by allowing such blatant disregard for due process. This situation reeks of corruption, and the people of Harare deserve answers and action,” said a source familiar with the dealings.

The controversy deepened as reports emerged that some council officials allegedly received substantial bribes from the developers to expedite approvals and overlook the lack of basic infrastructure.

Critics argue that this practice not only undermines the city’s development efforts but also jeopardizes the investments and safety of thousands of residents.

Several affected buyers expressed their frustration and demanded accountability from the council.

 “We were promised developed stands with all necessary infrastructure, but instead, we were sold empty plots with no amenities. We demand justice and accountability,” said one disgruntled buyer who preferred anonymity.

In response to the growing backlash, Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) spokesperson Precious Shumba called for a comprehensive audit of the transactions between the City Council and the developers.

“The residents of Harare cannot continue to be shortchanged by corrupt officials. We call upon the Government to intervene and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Shumba stated.

As the controversy unfolds, Harare residents are left to grapple with the fallout from a council that appears to have prioritized personal gain over public service, raising serious questions about governance and the integrity of the city’s leadership.