Harare Turns to Densification as Land Runs Out – Wetlands Under Spotlight

The City of Harare has admitted that it has run out of land for new housing and commercial expansion, with authorities now turning to a controversial densification policy that will see parts of wetlands being opened up for development.

Acting Town Planner Samuel Nyabeza revealed the development, stressing that council is under pressure to accommodate the city’s growing population and the rising demand for residential stands. He, however, dismissed allegations of corruption surrounding the parcelling out of large plots on wetlands — allegations that have sparked anger and petitions from residents’ associations and environmental groups.

Last week, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Climate Change toured several disputed sites, including the Pokugara residential project by West Properties, as well as the council’s contentious allocation of 14 stands at the Mt Pleasant Sports Club, land which had originally been reserved for a golf course. The visits have reignited debate over whether the city is prioritizing short-term housing gains at the expense of environmental sustainability.

Nyabeza insisted that all developments undertaken in the capital follow strict planning procedures and are approved only after consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).

> “We are not allocating stands recklessly,” Nyabeza said. “Every development passes through due process, and EMA plays a central role in ensuring environmental safeguards are respected.”

Environmental watchdogs have repeatedly warned that building on wetlands will worsen Harare’s long-standing problems with flooding, water shortages, and contamination of boreholes. Despite these concerns, city officials argue that densification is the only viable option to address the housing backlog, as Harare no longer has vast tracts of undeveloped land available for conventional housing projects.

The tug-of-war between housing demand, environmental preservation, and alleged underhand dealings is set to continue, with Parliament expected to issue recommendations following its inspections.

For now, Harare residents remain divided — some welcoming the chance to own property within city limits, while others fear the city’s fragile ecosystem is being sacrificed for profit.