The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
Residents of Caledonia in Harare want the Urban Development Corporation (Udcorp) investigated for allegedly fleecing them of millions of dollars. The residents allege that Udcorp officials and their superiors at the Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Ministry helped themselves to road construction funds.
Eastview Union chairman Mr Livingstone Chikanga said, “We got quotations for road construction of US$360 000. Minister Kasukuwere arranged the construction of a 1, 8 kilometre stretch of road and said US$2,4 million had been used.
“When we questioned him, we were arrested for being ‘land barons’, but were never charged. The arrests were meant to pacify us. Some of the arresting officers were then allocated stands.”
Mr Chikanga said there were no proper roads and health facilities in the suburb despite the fact that residents are contributing US$50 per month towards development.
“When Udcorp took over from cooperatives, Minister Kasukuwere then issued residential stands. All open spaces have been allocated, and there is no place left for a community school or hospitals. The land was sold to people who want to establish private schools.”
Committee secretary Mr Christopher Makanda added, “It seems the minister is only after making money and is not concerned about the welfare of the people.”
Although Minister Kasukuwere could not be reached for comment yesterday, he has previously stated that “I am not in charge of affairs at Caledonia”.
Recently he said, “Those people could just be land barons who were used to abusing people’s money. Besides, I am also not responsible for the day-to-day running of affairs at Caledonia. That is the responsibility of the management committee.”
Caledonia started as an informal settlement with 126 cooperatives and is now home to roughly 100 000 residents.
