HARARE, March 11 (NewsDay Live) - Residents of Borrowdale, have petitioned the Harare City Council over noise emanating from a private property that has been illegally converted into a church premises.
The residents claim the noise is violating their right to peace, and accuse the church of contravening council's zoning regulations.
The property, located at 9 Doveton Road, is being used by the United Methodist Church.
According to the residents, the church has defied prohibition orders issued by council in 2016 and 2022.
“This is a clear case of land misuse in the area,” the petition read.
“The fact that the city ouncil has allowed this unauthorized operation to continue is evidence that officials may be complicit in enabling land barons to exploit these spaces for personal gain.
"This not only violates planning regulations but also undermines the integrity of the neighbourhood.”
As the situation continues to unfold, residents are urging the local government to enforce planning regulations and uphold community standards, while also calling attention to the possible involvement of corrupt officials in enabling such breaches of zoning laws," the residents said.
- Harare cancels Pomona waste deal
- Devolution gains remain a mirage
- Harare cancels Pomona waste deal
- Pomona saga: Harare handed shock US$750k ‘garbage’ bill
Keep Reading
“We are considering applying for an urgent court order to stop these activities immediately," they said.
"If the church is found to be operating without the proper permits, the residents are calling for penalties and the cessation of church activities on the property."
The City of Harare had not yet responded to the petition, and efforts to contact council and church officials were unfruitful.
Harare Residents Trust (HRT) coordinator Precious Shumba said council should enforce zoning regulations without fear or favour.
"The church should be requested to put in place a sound proof system so that the noise does not affect the surrounding properties but is contained within the church building where it is generated," Shumba added.
