Midweek Reporter
MUTARE-A church in the high density suburb of Dangamvura in Mutare is at the centre of controversy after ignoring an eviction and demolition order issued by City Council.
The illegal structure, allegedly built by Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) who got the green light from previous council management to put up the structure.
ZAOGA vacated the premises and allegedly rented out to another church, which The Midweek Watch failed to get the proper name.
The illegal structure has sparked concerns over safety and regulatory compliance as it is made from substandard material.
According to documents in possession of The Midweek Watch, the church was constructed without the necessary approvals from the local authority. The prohibition order, highlights several concerns, including lack of sanitary facilities, reticulated water and sewerage services. Moreover, the structure poses health risks to occupants and the surrounding residents.
In a letter dated 14 March 2025 and addressed to ‘illegal occupant of municipal land in Dangamvura Township it read;
“Whereas it appears to the City of Mutare, as Local Planning Authority, that development is being carried out in contravention of the provisions of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12) Section 26 and also the provisions of the Dangamvura Local Development Plan. These illegal developments are taking place on a Public Open Space adjacent to stand 7458 Dangamvura Township, Mutare, that is to say
(a)You have illegally constructed a temporary structure for the purpose of conducting church activities without the express authority of the Local Planning Authority.
(b)The temporary structure is within site designated as public space.
(c)The site has no sanitary facilities that is reticulated water and sewerage services.
(d)The illegal operations are posing health risk to the occupants and the general residents at large.
“Therefore take note that in terms of Section 32 you are Ordered to
1) Cease the church activities thereon forthwith.
2) Demolish the temporary structure on site.
3) Restore the site to its original state.
“This Order will come into operation on 14th April 2025 unless in terms of Section 38 of the Act, an appeal is lodged with the Administrative Court within one month from the date of service of this Order, whereupon the operation of this Order shall be suspended until such a time as the appeal is finally determined or withdrawn,” read the order.
ZAOGA, the alleged owner of the structure has acknowledged receipt of the eviction and demolition orders. However, an elder at ZAOGA, Zviito Tsio referred all questions to the unnamed church office, citing that they are merely landlords.
Council spokesperson Charles Sadondo confirmed that the local authority had indeed served the order to the illegal occupant.
“We indeed issued the order directing the church to cease its operations and demolish the illegal structures within 30 days, which they failed to do. Now that they have failed to comply with the Order, we are now enforcing compliance through the Chamber Secretary’s department. We addressed the Order to the illegal occupant. When we get to the place where someone is staying, we serve the person staying there. It is an illegal structure that does not appear in our records for us to verify the owners,” said Sadondo.
The local authority’s decision to demolish the structure underscores the importance of adhering to urban planning regulations. The case raises questions about accountability, particularly given the involvement of a prominent religious organizations and council officials who allegedly allowed the construction of the structure.
