Huge relief for Willdale
....as firm recovers Mt Hampden land ...paving way for commercial park development
SAMANTHA MADE
Willdale Limited, the country’s leading manufacturer of clay bricks, has secured huge relief after finally regaining vacant possession of its 123.6314-hectare Mt Hampden land that had been unlawfully occupied for years, unlocking progress on its long-delayed industrial commercial park project.
The development was confirmed by the company secretary, Mavuto Munginga.
“The company, with the support of the relevant law-enforcement authorities, has successfully regained vacant possession of its land measuring 123.6314 hectares, situated in Mt Hampden, which had previously been unlawfully occupied by third parties,” Munginga said.
He added that the recovery of the land has now enabled the company to formally grant vacant possession to the appointed contractor to begin construction works on the planned industrial commercial park.
Munginga said the start of on-site works, together with the proposed disposal of industrial stands—was expected to broaden the company’s revenue base and potentially lift its share price.
“The additional revenue generated is expected to strengthen the Company’s capacity to streamline operational efficiencies and invest in new technology to support long-term growth,” he said.
The Mt Hampden land, measuring 123.6 hectares, had been earmarked by Willdale for development into an industrial, commercial, and residential park to create new income streams and support investment in production technology.
However, the land was occupied by thousands of families, many of whom claimed to be long-standing supporters of a certain political party as well as former Willdale workers and their dependents.
Some of the settlers said they had been promised formalisation by past political figures, while others had lived on the land for years, particularly after the government-backed fast-track land reform programme.
Willdale pursued legal recourse and secured a High Court order authorising the eviction of the occupiers, paving the way for the company to repossess the land.
