Key Points
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Marondera Council faces setback in Elmswood Farm project.
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War veteran claims ownership of land pegged for housing.
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Over US$1.6 million collected from home seekers affected.
The Municipality of Marondera’s plan to allocate residential stands at Elmswood Farm has hit a setback after a farmer claiming ownership of the land destroyed survey pegs.
According to council minutes, the city is locked in a bitter ownership fight with war veteran John Fadzisayi Jani, who insists he legally owns Elmswood Farm.
Another property developer, Swandev Pvt Ltd, has also stepped forward with its own ownership claim, adding to the confusion.
Council turns to government for help
Marondera Council has resolved to seek help from Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Itai Ndudzo to stop Jani from farming on the contested land until the dispute is resolved.
“As of June 30, 2025, the council had collected US$1,628,222.66 from home seekers,” the minutes stated. “However, the allocation of stands has been affected by the destroyed pegs.”
So far, 827 stands have been allocated, mostly to government employees and council staff under the Elmswood Housing Scheme.
The housing director reported that most of the prime stands fall in the area where Jani is farming, and many survey markers have been lost.
He proposed that the pegs be reconstructed so that the affected stands can be clearly identified and allocated.
Destroyed pegs stall project progress
Council records show that six kilometers of roads have already been opened within the Elmswood development. But with farming activities still ongoing, progress has stopped.
Town clerk Rinashe Nyamuzihwa has been engaging government officials to intervene and stop further farming. Councillors expressed frustration during a recent meeting, saying the delay has left hundreds of beneficiaries in limbo.
“The chamber secretary confirmed that the town clerk is handling the matter and has been in contact with the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution,” the minutes said.
The council has now referred the reconstruction of the destroyed or missing pegs to the Works and Environmental Management Committee for further action.
Farmer insists he owns Elmswood Farm
When contacted for comment, Jani stood his ground. He maintained that he is the legitimate owner of the farm and said the matter is already before the courts.
“I am the rightful owner of the farm, and the issue is before the courts. We are waiting for the legal process to conclude,” he said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of home seekers who paid for stands months ago remain uncertain about when they will finally receive their land.
