Zimbabwe: Upmarket Glen Lorne Residents Secure Court Order Halting Chinese Company's Wetland Construction

What the report says

Residents of Harare’s Glen Lorne suburb have obtained a court order stopping Zhuomu International (Private) Limited, a Chinese-owned company, from continuing work on a disputed wetland site while the matter is pursued in the High Court. The interim order was granted by consent in chambers before Justice Samuel Deme on Monday, after 26 residents led by businessman Shingayi Mutasa asked for urgent relief.

According to the report, the dispute centres on Stand 4717 Glen Lorne Township, where the developer plans 21 standalone villas and 75 cluster housing units across about 9.2 hectares. The residents say the construction of a perimeter wall and related works has moved into land that was excluded from development under environmental approval, affecting a protected wetland near the Umwinsi River. They argue that the area is ecologically sensitive and that further excavation, grading and dumping could cause lasting damage to drainage and water systems.

The residents’ application says the Environmental Management Agency issued an environmental impact assessment certificate in May 2026, but that only allowed development in designated non-wetland portions of the property. They are also seeking official records from local and environmental authorities to assess the permits and approvals behind the project. The affidavit cited objections from nearby residents and concerns that the project could affect downstream water users.

The order does not decide the underlying legality of the development or cancel any approvals. Instead, it preserves the status quo while the legal challenge continues and the parties explore a possible out-of-court settlement. The case highlights ongoing tensions in Zimbabwe between housing development and wetland protection, especially where construction may affect broader river ecosystems and community water resources.