Marondera(Chaminuka News-New Ziana) The housing waiting list for Marondera town has reached 17 000 amid indications that the figure could be more than double if all those who want residential stands registered.

For one to register to be on the waiting list, one pays RTGS17 for high density, RTGS101 for medium density and RTGS133 for low density areas.

The same amount has to be paid every year until one gets a residential stand, and since this can be indefinite, many find it as pouring money down a bottomless pit and therefore do not bother to register.

There has been a public outcry from some residents who do not own stands, who have been alleging that the council is giving first preference to people from other towns, notably Harare, when it comes to allocation.

In 2017 residents threatened to demonstrate at the Marondera Town Council offices demanding the local authority explain the whereabouts of money paid for stands a few years ago.

Council reportedly collected $1 500 from each home seeker promising to give people stands at Elmswood outside Marondera town.

Initially, the home seekers were made to pay $511 before they were told to add another $1 000 for the stands.

New Ziana