Local Government Correspondent
A demand for a comprehensive audit of properties earmarked for compensation in connection with the Mbudzi interchange project has surfaced, Harare Post has learnt.
A confidential contact has revealed that the Government has expressed reservations about the necessity to thoroughly examine the properties earmarked for compensation in the Mbudzi interchange project. The contact added that specific documents related to the project may have undergone tampering.
"The properties designated for compensation at the Mbudzi interchange project, intended for those who were displaced to make way for the project's construction, are being subjected to an audit due to suspicions of falsified information. Allegations suggest that some of the compensated properties may not have existed, and there is a suspicion that collusion may have taken place between the two involved ministries that is, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and officials from the Deeds Registry who may have approved payments through the manipulation of title deeds," the insider revealed.
Furthermore, it has been disclosed that there are 44 title deed holders set to receive compensation, with the total amount reaching USD$29,771,368.67. However, out of these, 19 title deed holders have already been fully compensated, receiving a total of USD$14,945,885.53. The contact also shared that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has requested property valuation documents from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development for scrutiny.
"The valuation of properties at the Mbudzi interchange was conducted by three independent property valuation companies: the Ministry of Local Government, South Bay Real Estate, and Amazon Real Estate. The actual compensation value for each property holder was determined after consulting with all three valuators," the insider explained.
Meanwhile, Mbudzi roundabout was closed on September 18, 2023, to make way for the interchange's construction. The interchange, spanning nine square kilometers, will feature 14 bridges redirecting traffic to and from Harare, Masvingo, Chitungwiza, and the southern suburbs of Glen Norah and Glen View. These bridges are designed to alleviate congestion and reduce turnaround time for commuters.
