By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – Members of Parliament representing Chitungwiza’s five constituencies have formally objected to plans to change the designated use and subdivide land originally reserved for the construction of a university in the dormitory town.
In a joint objection letter dated November 7, 2026, and submitted to Acting Town Clerk Japson Nemuseso, the legislators expressed concern that the proposed development would compromise Chitungwiza’s long-term educational, social and economic interests.
The objection was signed by Brighton Mazhindu (St Mary’s), Innocent Zvaipa (Zengeza West), Goodrich Chimbaira (Zengeza East), Godfrey Sithole (Chitungwiza North) and Maxwell Mavhunga (Chitungwiza South).
The MPs noted that although Chitungwiza is one of Zimbabwe’s largest urban settlements, it still lacks a major public university, leaving thousands of aspiring students with no option but to pursue higher education outside the town.
“Thousands of young people from our constituencies seek university education outside Chitungwiza, often facing substantial transport, accommodation and other associated costs. Establishing a university in Chitungwiza would significantly improve access to higher education, create employment, stimulate local businesses, promote research and innovation, and contribute to the economic transformation of the town. We therefore consider the preservation of land for university development a matter of strategic public interest,” the legislators said.
They warned that converting the land into residential or commercial stands would make it increasingly difficult to reclaim it for its originally intended educational purpose.
The legislators said decisions on land allocation should take into account not only the immediate needs of the current population but also the interests and opportunities of future generations.
“As Members of Parliament, we have a responsibility to consider not only the immediate needs of today’s residents but also the educational opportunities of generations yet to come. We cannot allow short-term land development decisions to permanently deny future generations the opportunity to have a university in their own town. The children currently attending primary and secondary schools in Chitungwiza deserve the prospect of pursuing university education within their community,” they said.
While acknowledging the town’s growing demand for housing, the MPs said residential development should not be prioritised at the expense of other critical public amenities and institutions.
They emphasised the need for a balanced approach to urban planning that provides for housing alongside universities, schools, hospitals, recreational facilities and other essential infrastructure.
“We therefore oppose the conversion of land reserved for a university into residential, commercial or any other development that would defeat its original educational purpose,” they said.
The land earmarked for the proposed residential development covers approximately 84.4367 hectares.
The legislators also raised questions about the planning documentation supporting the proposed development, pointing to outstanding issues concerning infrastructure provision, sewerage systems, environmental assessments, previous permits and a court order relating to earlier planning processes.
They called for these issues to be thoroughly investigated before any changes to the land’s designated use are approved, arguing that the full planning and legal history of the property must first be established.
“These matters warrant thorough examination. We particularly request clarification regarding the original designation of the land, the circumstances surrounding any proposed change of use and the legal implications of cancelling or replacing earlier permits. No irreversible planning decision should be made without establishing the full planning history and considering the long-term public interest,” they said.
Among their demands, the MPs called for the immediate suspension of the proposed change of land use, subdivision and approval of alternative developments until a comprehensive review and public consultation had been conducted.
They also want the land retained for university development, subject to verification of its original designation through the relevant planning records.
Furthermore, the legislators requested the release of all documents relating to the property, including original planning records, development permits, council resolutions, approved layouts and any relevant court orders.
They also urged the Acting Town Clerk to engage the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development to explore the feasibility of establishing a university in Chitungwiza.
The MPs maintained that safeguarding the land was essential to preserving the town’s prospects of developing its own higher education institution and meeting the educational needs of its growing population.
New Ziana
