Cowdray Park residents demand action on land corruption amid bribery allegations
Rumbidzai Mhlanga
Cowdray Park residents in Bulawayo are demanding urgent action to address widespread land corruption, including multiple stand allocations and bribery, which have left many in financial distress and housing limbo.
The calls for accountability were amplified during a community feedback meeting organized by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ), where residents confronted duty bearers and stakeholders to seek solutions to the deepening crisis.
The meeting, held to address long-standing grievances, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA), and local Member of Parliament Hon. Mujeyi.
Nqobani Tshabangu, TIZ Programs Manager, highlighted the organization’s commitment to fighting corruption by engaging communities and policymakers. He revealed that Cowdray Park residents have been raising concerns about land misallocation for months, particularly in the Empompini area.
“Residents have reported cases where a single stand is sold to multiple people, leading to disputes and financial losses. They requested this platform to engage with duty bearers and ensure fair land distribution,” Tshabangu explained.
Claude Phuthi, a representative from the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that double stand allocations have forced some residents to pay bribes to secure their homes.
“If we don’t address this issue now, future generations will struggle to access housing. We cannot sit back and watch corruption thrive,” Phuthi stated.
During an open discussion, residents pointed out that addressing double allocations requires fixing systemic issues within housing offices. One resident criticized the city council for failing to provide basic services, arguing that corruption extends beyond land allocation.
“There are no roads, recreational facilities, or proper water supply. We pay fixed amounts for water we don’t receive. That’s corruption! Selling unserviced stands is also corruption,” the resident said.
Another resident by the name Mthombeni, traced the roots of land corruption to the post-Operation Murambatsvina era in 2005.
“After Murambatsvina, some people received stands despite not qualifying. The agreement was that residents would develop the area in collaboration with local authorities. This process created loopholes that fueled corruption,” Mthombeni explained.
Phuthi urged residents to stop participating in corrupt practices, emphasizing that their actions today will determine whether future generations have access to housing.
“If we want change, we must stop paying bribes. Our actions today shape the future,” he said.
Ward 6 Councillor Nkosinathi Hove Mpofu acknowledged that corruption often starts at the top and called for stricter oversight. He appreciated TIZ’s efforts in fostering dialogue between residents and authorities.
“These engagements help us identify solutions. We must learn from past mistakes, such as those made during the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle housing project, to ensure corruption doesn’t continue,” Mpofu said.
He clarified that land corruption in Cowdray Park dates back to 2005, when Operation Murambatsvina led to the creation of Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle settlements.
“Initially, the city council wasn’t involved, but later, when stands were reallocated, double allocations became common. At one point, a single stand had three different owners due to fraudulent practices,” Mpofu revealed.
As the meeting concluded, residents emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in land allocation. They called for tighter regulations and community-led oversight to prevent further corruption.
The gathering underscored the importance of collective action in tackling corruption and ensuring fair access to housing for all residents. With continued advocacy and engagement, Cowdray Park residents hope to see meaningful change in their community.
