Questions have emerged over the alleged marketing and allocation of residential stands reportedly circulated in a ZANU PF Parirenyatwa Hospital WhatsApp group, amid concerns over transparency, legality, and potential exploitation of desperate home seekers.
A message circulating within the group is said to advertise residential stands in Gilstone, requesting prospective beneficiaries to pay a US$500 deposit to secure allocations.
Hurumende News Hub has sought clarification from DAaN4ED National Chairman , Paradzai Basikoro regarding his role in the reported land allocation exercise and the legitimacy of the process.
In questions sent for comment, Basikoro was asked to clarify the official capacity in which he is conducting or facilitating the allocations, including whether he is acting on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, the ruling party, a private land developer, or in a personal capacity.
Concerns were also raised about whether the allocations are officially authorised and whether beneficiaries are issued with legally recognised documentation confirming ownership or allocation rights.
The matter has reignited broader concerns about unregulated land sales and so-called “land barons,” who have in the past been accused of selling stands on land without proper servicing, title deeds, or local authority approval.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe on numerous occasions issued strong warnings against illegal land sales and fraudulent land allocation schemes, cautioning that such activities undermine orderly urban planning and expose citizens to financial loss.
The Ministry has consistently urged home seekers to verify land ownership and ensure that all allocations are approved through local authorities.
Housing and urban development experts have also repeatedly warned that the country’s housing backlog has created conditions in which vulnerable citizens can be targeted through informal or politically-linked land deals that lack transparency and legal backing.
At the time of publication, Basikoro responded, dismissing the concerns and stating that there is a misunderstanding regarding the referenced project.
“We are doing a project with MCM in Marondera, Shinarie Park. I think you are mixing things up,” he said.
Further clarification on the nature of the MCM project, its approvals, and the alleged WhatsApp-based land offers was not immediately provided.
This publication will update the story should additional information or official responses be received.
Hurumende News Hub remains committed to balanced reporting and transparency in matters affecting public housing and land allocation.
