Wrangle over Mbare Vocational Training Centre rages

Published: 3 hours ago

Mbare legislator Martin Sunungukayi Matinyanya has joined forces with students from Mbare Vocational Training Centre to file contempt of court allegations against a contractor allegedly defying a High Court order halting the demolition of college buildings.

The dispute arises after the court issued a provisional order preventing the demolition pending the finalisation of the case, which challenges the planned relocation of the college to a new site in Budiriro high-density suburb.

The demolitions were initially sanctioned by Harare City Council following the sale of the college land to a developer, Junior Family Business. Matinyanya and the students oppose both the land sale and the relocation of the training centre.

In their court papers, the applicants, represented by Privilege Seda and Melusi Muchada, cited Green Gate Engineering and Construction—the contractor handling the demolitions—as continuing work in violation of the provisional order. The students involved are identified as Jimmy Fernando, Moses Tambarare, and Oliver Vellem. Other respondents named in the case include Junior Family Business, City of Harare, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tinoda Machakaire, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, and the Mbare district police boss.

However, Green Gate Engineering boss Tonderai Zvarehwa denied the allegations, stating that the company halted work immediately after receiving the court order, although about 90% of the demolition work had already been completed.

"There is no construction work being done at the moment. We stopped the construction work on the day we were furnished with the provisional order, and I am in limbo if I am going to recover my money if the High Court finally stops these developments," Zvarehwa said.

Junior Family Business, the new landowner, opposed the application, asserting that the applicants had been informed of the planned demolitions on August 25 and that the relocation to Budiriro is lawful and provides continuity for the training centre. The company argued that none of the applicants' rights were violated and that the balance of convenience favours allowing the development to proceed.

Harare City Council, through its town clerk, also opposed the application, claiming the applicants delayed taking action after being notified of the pending demolition and lacked legal standing, as they failed to prove they are students or demonstrate enforceable rights.

The matter remains before the High Court, with the latest contempt allegations adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battle.
- Newsday

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