A Chinese company has demolished a wall built over disused railway tracks in Harare after city officials declared the structure illegal.
The company, which recently acquired property at 44 Tilbury Road, next to Masimba Holdings’ headquarters, constructed the wall for added security.
However, the wall crossed old railway lines, sparking public criticism and prompting a response from the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).
The NRZ clarified that the tracks were part of a disused, privately-owned siding leading to a now-defunct factory being demolished following the property’s purchase by the Chinese company last year. It added:
They built the security wall to prevent thieves from accessing their newly acquired property. So, effectively, the NRZ does not have any mandate over the disused line but understands that the City of Harare is looking into the matter.
On Tuesday, workers began demolishing part of the wall built over the railway tracks.
It’s unclear who gave the order, but Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said on Monday that the wall was constructed without council approval.
According to Mafume, the city’s Development Control Team visited the Chinese property owner, who believed it was acceptable to build across the tracks since the NRZ had not objected. He said:
The council explained that all boundary walls need official approval. The wall or part of it that is too close to the railway line must be taken down.
More: ZimLive
I thot there is a law which prohibits any construction within 30m from railway lines?
If the Chinese bought an existing property that was in the City’s books, it means the property has existing boundaries with pegs on all corners. Why didn’t they follow the existing boundaries as shown on the site plan who’s copy is kept at Shepperton house? Where was City of Harare inspection department when the construction was taking place? Who approved the building of the structure? Shame on you City of Harare. Too playful.
Someone took a bribe
Normally private sidingams will go into private property through some gate. Its not possible doe the gate to be 30m wide each side. So yea they just nweded a gate not a wall if ts their siding
makutyaka makaona kuti makapazisa dzimba hobho dzevanhu so nyika yese yanga yakudao kuona kuti apa muchaita sei kkkk haaa chi nyika chedu kana mazogara chinonaka
Even if it’s a private railway siding the NRZ cannot say it does not object. Approval from council is needed and construction should follow the layout diagram of the stand. Only that Hre is a mess period