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Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter
Mabelreign residents have clashed with the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing over open spaces which are being converted into residential stands with the locals arguing this will devalue their properties as smaller stands are being issued by council.

In a letter to the residents responding to the objections, principal director of physical planning, a Mrs A. Chitita, said not all open spaces were being converted into residential stands and the proposal seeks to promote efficiency in the utilisation of urban land which is prone to abuse by dumping and illegal cultivation.

“The proposed subdivision has taken cognisance of the minimum subdivision permitted in the area (not less than 900 square metres. The proposed development will not result in the devaluation of properties,” reads the letter.

“The proposed development is being planned on a few greenways. Several open spaces are to be retained for the intended use. The change of the open spaces is in line with the provisions of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12) whereby the minister can change the open spaces if need arises.”

In response, the residents argued that it was the responsibility of the city council to maintain the greenways and the use of these for dumping and illegal cultivation was a direct result of the lack of the necessary maintenance by council.

“Council has also failed in its duty of refuse collection (for which residents are charged) which has led to some anti-social elements in the community dumping on the vacant greenways. If council kept its side of the social contract with residents, we are convinced the activities you refer to would not be taking place,” said the residents.

“We agree that the infrastructure problems are not peculiar to Mabelreign but argue that since existing infrastructure is problematic, it is the height of folly to further put more pressure on it. Why compound a problem you openly admit exists? Where else have you reverted to this kind of solution to solve the problems of refuse dumping and unkempt open spaces?”

They argued that there were 626 square metre stands which were being advertised for sale on one of the greenways in the area and addition of more houses will increase the density.

The residents further argued that a number of factors influenced their decision to invest in Mabelreign which include the property itself, the infrastructure which include those greenways and services among.

“We argue that the original planners of the area left the open spaces after careful consideration and it is disingenuous for you to say it’s alright to build on a few greenways because several open spaces will be retained for the intended use,” reads the letter to the ministry.

“Further, you say the authority is preparing the Mabelreign Greenways Local Plan.
“Since this is being developed to change our residential area we think it is our democratic right to be advised what is wrong with the status quo and the advantages of the proposed changes before they are implemented.”

They argued that there was no need to rush to parcel out pieces of land before the result of the proposed Mabelreign Greenways Local Plan.
The ministry is yet to respond.