The Sunday Mail
Tendai Chara
An online estate agent selling properties and land in Harare’s Christon Bank described the small residential and farming area, which is about 22 kilometres north of Harare, as a “charismatic suburb with stunning natural views that go on and on”.
Set among rolling hills overlooking the picturesque Mazowe River valley, Christon Bank, traditionally known as Gomba, is a place known for mysteries and important historic events.
Historical accounts state that it was from this scenic terrain that Charwe, the medium of the famous Spirit of Nehanda Nyakasikana, better known as Mbuya Nehanda, inspired the execution of the first Chimurenga in the 1890s. Charwe is believed to have lived in these tranquil environments surrounding Mazowe and Christon Bank.
Apart from the scenic terrain, the area is blessed with good soils, huge gold deposits, a cool climate and receives fairly good rainfall.
Prominent business tycoon, John Bredenkamp could not resist the temptation of settling in this area and as a result, set up a sprawling estate which is complete with its own airstrip.
As if inspired by the environs, a popular functions venue, the Inspiration Park, is nestled in the mystic Shavarunzwe Hills.
A paradise for mountain climbers, the Mazowe Dam and the Botanic Reserve serves as the other attractions.
The Miombo Music Festival, which is held annually in Christon Bank, puts the area under the spotlight. Miombo is a word used to describe specific woodlands.
Over the years, there has been a great demand for land in areas surrounding Christon Bank. People from all over the country who prefer rural serenity to the hustle and bustle of city life are flocking to this area where they are acquiring land for residential and agricultural purposes. The development has seen Harare City Council often clashing with the Mazowe Rural District Council over control of the area.
Both councils claim that Mount Pleasant Heights, a suburb near Christon Bank, falls under their respective jurisdictions.
Plots ranging from 2 000 square metres have been sold at a cost of $15 000 to $19 000.
Properties in this area, among them farms and mansions, are always on offer. Some of the properties are fetching over $500 000.
Mr Liberty Mufandaedza, the Mazowe Rural District Council chief executive officer, is on record confirming the great demand for land in areas surrounding Christon Bank.
“There is great need for land – both agricultural and residential. We identified eight farms in Glendale, Concession, Christon Bank and other surrounding areas and applied to have them,” Mr Mufandaedza was quoted in a local publication.
But despite all the good things that are associated with Christon Bank, the settlement has a tale of contrasting fortunes.
Whilst opulence is written all over one section of the area, the other section, where former commercial farm workers and resettled farmers live, tells another story.
After turning into Christon Bank from the Harare-Bindura highway, one will not help but admire the large, well-secured houses. The majority of the properties are owned by the well-to-do.
On the periphery of the settlement are thatched huts and a former farm compound with dilapidated houses.
Whilst those living in the upmarket part of the settlement have little to complain about, the villagers living further down the valley are facing a number of challenges, chiefly among the dangers associated with illegal gold panning.
Mr Clever Goredema (61), the local village head, said illegal gold panners are causing all sorts of problems.
“Since we settled here in 2000, we have not known peace. As a result of the illegal panning, the Mazowe River is now heavily silted. The miners have also invaded our fields, leaving behind them deep open pits,” a bitter headman Goredema said.
According to Headman Goredema, the bodies of two illegal miners who died when the shaft they were working in collapsed are yet to be retrieved two weeks after the tragedy.
The villagers also lost 18 cattle after they fell into deep pits that were left open by the illegal panners. A tour of the area revealed that indeed, the area is littered with open pits.
Basing on what the villagers said, it will take a long time before the locals enjoy the peace they are desperately craving for.
“The panners take the law into their own hands and can do whatever they want. They far outnumber the locals and we have, on numerous occasions, watched helplessly as they dug our fields,” Mr Blessing Mufandaedza, a local villager, said.
