Court Ruling Unlocks $150 Million Spitzkop Development After Nine-Year Dispute

The Supreme Court has ended a nine-year land wrangle in Spitzkop, clearing the way for Vevhu Resources’ US$150 million development that will deliver 3,595 stands, schools, shops, and jobs to ease Harare’s housing crisis (image source)

A nine-year land wrangle between the Greater Spitzkop Residents Association and property developer Vevhu Resources has finally been resolved, unlocking one of Harare’s largest private residential development projects, valued at an estimated US$150 million.

The Supreme Court recently dismissed the residents’ final appeal, ending a protracted legal saga that saw 16 separate cases filed, all decided in favour of the developer. With the ruling now final, Vevhu Resources confirmed that civil works on Lot 14, Spitzkop, will commence next week. Vevhu Resources Chief Executive Officer Anthony Dube assured residents that the project will proceed without forced evictions.

“We have had a challenge in Lot 14 where a lot of people came in and settled not by the Act of Vevhu Resources. Over the years, trying to develop the place has been very difficult,” Dube said.

According to Dube, government regulations requiring 40 percent of land allocation for flats further delayed progress, as this clashed with existing informal settlement patterns. “It became a bottleneck… to move people to make way for the apartments which was gazetted by government,” he explained.

As part of a compromise, Vevhu Resources will revert to the original urban layout plan, aligning formal development with how residents have already settled. “With the adoption of the old plan, it means we are now able to accommodate everyone who has been settled here,” Dube said. He noted that only a third of residents will be relocated, but all within Lot 14.

The original plan provides for 3,595 stands, including residential plots, schools, shops, and recreational facilities. Analysts estimate that once fully developed, Spitzkop Lot 14 could provide housing for over 20,000 people and create 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.

Urban planners argue the project is significant in addressing Harare’s housing deficit, which the Ministry of Local Government estimates at over 1.5 million units nationwide. The Spitzkop development alone could inject US$10 million annually into the local economy through property sales, rentals, and service levies.

“This is a catalytic project for Harare’s south-western corridor,” said independent property analyst Tendai Mavengere. “It adds to the city’s housing stock, creates demand for building materials, and offers opportunities for small businesses. Importantly, the inclusion of schools and shops means this is not just housing—it’s community infrastructure.”

Local councillor Tafadzwa Kambarami welcomed the breakthrough as a balance between legal order, resident welfare, and urban growth. “We are happy that the developer understood our concerns despite us having lost court cases. Everyone is happy because there will be no evictions. We want sanity. We want development,” he said.

With the court ruling clearing the way, groundbreaking is set for October, with the first serviced stands expected on the market in mid-2026. For residents of Spitzkop—and Harare’s overburdened housing market—the end of a nine-year dispute marks the beginning of long-awaited progress.