Illegal structures are reportedly mushrooming at an open space earmarked for a railway line that would link Harare and Chitungwiza.
An investigation by an undercover ZBC News team unearthed the existence of a syndicate that is invading the railway line area, waterways, spaces reserved for schools and nurseries.
The investigation observed that the distribution of the land is being done through the Harare South Housing Apex Cooperative Society Limited, which is demanding an affiliation payment of US$120 before one is allocated a residential stand.
Below is a telephone conversation the team had with Mr Eddison Ringwa who is said to be the brains behind the project.
Ringwa: … yes, the residential stands are there for five thousand (5000) US dollars each.
ZBC News: …but we understand you are giving people stands where there is supposed to be a railway line.
Ringwa: No, the railway line project is not going anywhere, which is why we are now giving people the land.
ZBC News: Who told you to do that?
Ringwa: No one but let me give you Cde Marshal’s contact details.
Over the years, desperate land seekers have been left stranded after local governments would have demolished their structures erected on undesignated sites.
More: ZBC News