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Nearly a month after unveiling the first phase of his $4 billion Pomona City development, Zimbabwean businessman Ken Sharpe accused the Harare City Council of holding back growth through poor service delivery, high fees, and what he described as “incompetent operations.”
Sharpe said developers were being left to shoulder costs that should fall under the city’s mandate. “These city fathers, they are disappointing us,” he said. “They're not giving us the services we need. And yet, they're charging us a lot of money.”
Ken Sharpe calls for fee reforms
Pointing to Pomona City, Ken Sharpe explained that West Properties Holdings (WestProp) had been forced to build its own sewer facilities, a six-million-liter water storage plant, and other infrastructure, even while paying city rates.
“How can you pay $100,000 just to submit a plan? It's unreasonable,” he argued. He urged the government to step in and cap application fees, suggesting $500 for residential projects and $10,000 for commercial ones.
Sharpe noted that real estate accounts for only 1.8 percent of Zimbabwe’s GDP, far below the 10 to 20 percent seen in many African and global markets. Without action from both central and local authorities, he warned, the country risks missing out on a key driver of growth.
“We want to build Zimbabwe,” he said. “But we are not able to do it because we are not getting enough support. National government, please support us. Local government, please support us. We need your support.” His appeal went beyond reforms at City Hall — he called for a deeper shift in how Harare manages development.
Ken Sharpe bets on Harare high-rise
Ken Sharpe’s role in Zimbabwe’s real estate sector includes acquisitions such as Augur Investments and West Food Distribution, along with redevelopment projects at Harare Sunshine Bazaar, Mbudzi Peoples Market, and Shawasha Mall in Mbare. His company, WestProp, has expanded through partnerships and new projects in both residential and commercial property.
In July 2025, WestProp began construction on Pomona Flats, the first development under the Pomona City plan and its first high-rise project in Harare North. The apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, are priced from $70,000. The company is offering bulk purchase options to corporates and government agencies seeking staff housing.
New project expands housing, health access
Pomona City adds to WestProp’s portfolio, which includes Millennium Heights, an apartment complex; Pokugara, a residential community built around green space; and The Hills Luxury Golf Estate, a $300 million project at the former Warren Hills Golf Club.
Work on the estate began in May 2024 and will feature 862 homes, an on-site clinic providing 24-hour care, and Zimbabwe’s first PGA-standard championship course.
