Chitungwiza – A fierce political and developmental standoff is brewing in Chitungwiza, as the town’s five Members of Parliament have mounted a united front to block the proposed subdivision of land earmarked for a university.

In a strongly worded joint formal objection dated November 9, 2026, and addressed to the Town Clerk of the Chitungwiza Municipality, the legislators representing St Mary’s, Zengeza West, Zengeza East, Chitungwiza North, and Chitungwiza South constituencies, registered their “strong and collective objection” to the proposed change of land use. They argue that the move threatens the educational and economic destiny of the town’s youth.

The objection comes at a critical time, as the Municipality of Chitungwiza prepares for its 512th Ordinary Council Meeting, where land and development issues are high on the agenda.

The MPs’ plea directly opposes the application for the subdivision of the remainder of St Mary’s, lodged by the Anglican Church, Diocese of Mashonaland and Matabeleland, which seeks to establish a residential suburb of 529 stands under permit SC/01/26.

The legislators argue that approving this subdivision, and the subsequent change of use, will permanently obliterate the town’s chances of hosting a public university.

“Chitungwiza is one of Zimbabwe’s largest urban settlements, yet it remains without a major public university of its own,” the MPs stated in their document.

“Establishing a university in Chitungwiza would significantly improve access to higher education, create employment, stimulate local businesses, promote research and innovation, and contribute to the economic transformation of the town.”

The joint objection highlights the severe financial strain placed on local families who are forced to send their children to other cities.

“Thousands of young people from our constituencies must seek university education outside Chitungwiza, often facing substantial transport, accommodation and other associated costs,” the letter reads.

The parliamentarians, Brighton Mazhindu who represents St Mary’s, Innocent Zvaipa, Zengeza West, Goodrich Chimbaira, Zengeza East, Godfrey Sithole, Chitungwiza North, and Maxwell Mavhunga representing Chitungwiza South, are appealing to the council’s long-term vision, warning against the irreversible nature of land subdivision.

“Land is a finite resource. Once land intended for a university is subdivided into residential or commercial stands, recovering it for educational purposes becomes extremely difficult,” they warned.

“We cannot allow short-term land development decisions to deprive future generations the opportunity to have a university in their own town.”

The politicians’ intervention also serves as a direct challenge to the local authority’s recent spatial planning trajectories. Recently tabled municipal reports, including the September 2026 Urban Planning Services report, have pushed for the approval of the St Mary’s subdivision, citing consistency with existing residential permits and the council’s drive to achieve full water authority status.

However, the MPs insist that the town’s future must not be dictated by immediate housing demands at the expense of institutional development.

“Chitungwiza’s future must not be determined solely by the immediate demand for residential stands,” the objection states. “Our town needs institutions that will empower its young people, generate employment, support innovation and contribute to national development. A university is one such institution.”

“We must not trade away the educational future of generations to come for short-term development gains,” they added.

The joint submission concludes with a firm demand for accountability, giving the local authority a strict directive: “Provide a written response to this joint objection before any final decision is taken.”

As the council prepares to deliberate on the matter, the eyes of Chitungwiza’s residents are on the Town Clerk.

The MPs have made their stance unequivocally clear, stating: “Chitungwiza needs a university, and land intended for that purpose must be protected. We trust that the responsible authorities will give this objection the serious consideration it deserves and act in the long-term interests of the people of Chitungwiza.”