*Regularisation efforts gain momentum in Amsterdam, Harare South* https://chat.whatsapp.com/LkNfu5bqJ3m1VOrAUTj2zJ 20 May 2025 _Story by Jeremiah Gora_ The leaders of the Amsterdam Residents Trust in Harare South recently convened a meeting to spearhead the regularization process of the area. The meeting, chaired by the Trust's chairman, Mr. Nicholas Macheme, drew close to 200 people. The Amsterdam Trust was formed by residents in 2024 with the primary purpose of spearheading the regularization process and ensuring that residents obtain proper documentation. Chairman Nicholas Macheme boldly stated that the residents belong to the area. "We are not here by accident. Residents settled here 25 years ago as the United Cooperative when Comrade Chenjerai Hunzvi, Comrade Annah Paradza, and Ndlovu incorporated the United Housing Cooperative into the Magamba Echimurenga Housing Scheme," Mr Macheme stated emphatically. The Trust provided a detailed background, thoroughly outlining the history of how the residents settled in Amsterdam through the United Housing Cooperative's incorporation into the Magamba Echimurenga Housing Scheme. "In 1996 there lived a Farm owner in Amstadam Farm who then decided to relocate to Russia. The farm owner had his foreman called Ziko. Ziko was given a portion of Amstadam by the white farmer before relocating but did not get the tittle deeds of the area since 1996 to 1999. During this period deeds were still in the position of the White Farmer. Later The White Farmer handed the farm to his foreman M.B Ziko. "Magamba Echimurenga then bought land from Ziko in 1998. A portion remained to Ziko and particularly, 25 Stands and a service station. Magamba did not pay in full to Ziko hence were not given title deeds and agreement of sale. Ziko unfortunately passed on in 2009 without clearing the sale with Magamba Housing scheme," the tust explained. It was also advised that following Ziko's passing, the properties were placed under the Master of the High Court, and the wife was advised to consult with the Master when she wishes to proceed with any transactions related to Magamba Echimurenga. The Trust provided further details, revealing that the ongoing irregularities included the formation of a dubious deed of trust between a secretary of Magamba and SANKORP Holdings Pvt Ltd, which subsequently resulted in the double allocation of stands. The Trust also highlighted that they are working on registering residents with the Council and awaiting the rightful owner of the land to facilitate payments, noting that despite the existence of demonstration houses approved by the City Council and built long ago, Hokonya and SANKORP Holdings are attempting to reject the residents, disregarding the considerable timeframe during which the residents have settled on this portion of Amsterdam. Chairman Macheme reiterated that the Residence Trust engaged with the Harare Council District Officer, Mr. Mberikunashe, to pave the way for development in Amsterdam and ensure that all land barons are held accountable. The meeting coincided with a time when residents are facing eviction from Clovedale in Goromonzi and Gerths farm in Seke, adding urgency to the discussions around land ownership and resident rights in Amsterdam. The meeting was well-attended by the full committee of the Trust, including Vice Chairman Mrs. Chasi, Secretary Mr. M R Jasi, Vice Secretary Mr. Gaura, Treasurer Mrs. Mtandwa, Security Mr. Surudzo, and Mr. Mupfumi, as well as committee members Mrs. Singizi and Mr. Mususa, alongside ZANU PF officials, namely DCC Secretary for Economic Development, Comrade Stephen Maendaenda, Seretse Khama District Chairman Comrade Mudzidzi, and Zvinavashe District Chairman Comrade Ndawana, among other party officials. Vhayeya.com to the world 🌎