By A Correspondent| Residents of Borrowdale have petitioned the Harare City Council, protesting against noise pollution from a private property that has allegedly been unlawfully converted into a church.

The residents argue that the property at 9 Doveton Road, currently used by the United Methodist Church, is operating in violation of city zoning regulations and has been disrupting their right to a peaceful environment.

According to the petition, the church has ignored prohibition orders issued by the council in both 2016 and 2022.

“This is a clear case of land misuse in the area,” the residents stated. “The fact that the city council has allowed this unauthorized operation to continue suggests possible complicity by officials in enabling land barons to exploit these spaces for personal gain. This not only violates planning regulations but also undermines the integrity of the neighborhood.”

As frustrations mount, the residents are urging local authorities to enforce zoning laws and uphold community standards. They have also raised concerns over alleged corruption among city officials, whom they accuse of turning a blind eye to illegal land use.

“We are considering applying for an urgent court order to halt these activities immediately,” they warned.

They further stated that if the church is operating without the necessary permits, authorities should impose penalties and ensure church activities at the property cease.

Efforts to obtain a response from the City of Harare and church officials were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Harare Residents Trust (HRT) coordinator, Precious Shumba, weighed in on the matter, urging the council to enforce zoning regulations fairly.

“The church should be required to implement soundproofing measures to contain noise within the building and prevent disturbance to surrounding properties,” Shumba said.