Land dispute stalls clinic construction

SYDNEY SAIZE IN MUTARE

The construction of a clinic in Mutare’s Hobhouse residential area has stalled due to a dispute over the land on which the building will be constructed, it has been learnt.

Mutare acting town clerk, Blessing Chafesuka confirmed the development saying council was mired in a stand dispute with Pillarton Holdings Pvt Ltd over a stand which both parties lay claim.

He told Business Times that the matter has since spilled into the courts for a determination.

“Yes construction of the said property has been halted as we wait for a court ruling on who actually is the bonafide owner of that piece of land,” Chafesuka said.

He added: “We need to wait for a court outcome before we make further comments, otherwise we will be ruled in contempt.”

The land under dispute is at slab level and had its ground breaking ceremony held last December under much pomp and fanfare and the latest development has put a damper on the high expectations from residents on the new health care centre.

Chafesuka said the council clinic is expected to serve residents from Weirmouth, Hobhouse, Chikanga, Destiny, Zimta Park, Natville Park, Dreamhouse, whose combined population is in excess of 10 000.

He said council has been renting out a house in Hobhouse which is being used as a clinic to offer healthcare to residents but has been proving to be costly.

“In addition to being costly the place is not big enough to offer the services we need to give to the residents,” Chafesuka said.