RESIDENTS of Old Alexandra suburb in Harare were allegedly kept in the dark on the development of a restaurant, bar and shopping complex which is at the centre of a land dispute between businessman Phillip Chiyangwa and some Chinese investors.
The Old Alexandra residents association in its submissions to the commission of inquiry investigating the City of Harare in possession of The Standard said they were opposed to the establishment of a bar and shopping complex in their area.
In their submission to Justice Maphios Cheda commission, residents also demanded to appear before the commission to testify on the matter.
“Over 300 resident’s objections were signed against the opening and operating of such an establishment in a residential area for the following reasons,” reads part of the submission.
“No notification, immediate neighbours did not receive any notification of change of use or nature of business until three months after when the building was already at roof level.
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“This included the objections of all the immediate neighbours and was done within the required 30 days period.
“Still the municipality ignored all this and allowed the project to go ahead and we were kept in the darkness.”
The residents said they were not siding with Chiyangwa either as they raised dust on how he obtained the land in question.
“To be honest, in the fight between Chiyangwa and the Chinese investors, this is the case of the pot calling the kettle black,” the residents said.
“Disregarding law and corruption both parties are staggering.”
In an interview yesterday ward 17 councillor Happymore Gotora said residents were not happy about the location of the complex.
“Yes, there have been disputes between Chiyangwa and Chinese investors, but l don’t want to comment on matters that are before the courts and we have cases of residents who are not happy with the Chinese restaurant, bar and shopping complex,” Gotora said.
According to residents, the Cosmopolitan Bar/Nightclub located at 31 Fleetwood Rd Alexandra Park, has been abusing the liquor license by operating as a public bar.
It is alleged that the nightclub has been hosting loud parties, karaoke nights using loud PA systems, hosting DJ’s and live musicians often until the early hours of the morning.
Appearing before the Justice Cheda commission last week, Chitangwa refuted allegations that he illegally seized land from JC Delonics, a Chinese-owned firm.
The dispute is centred around a property in Helensvale, Harare, which JC Delonics developed into a car park.
JC Delonics had previously accused Chiyangwa's Pinnacle Holdings of taking over the land, a claim they first brought to court in 2023.
The courts ruled in favour of Chiyangwa.
Chiyangwa asserted that he had owned the land since 2015 and requested his exclusion from the inquiry arguing his ownership predates the commission's focus period of 2017-2024.
The commission agreed to excuse the former Zanu PF MP.
