President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning against illegal land allocations in rural areas, emphasizing the government’s commitment to curbing the activities of land barons. Speaking during the commissioning of the Dzivarasekwa Flats in Harare, Mnangagwa stressed that his administration would not tolerate the unlawful distribution of land and would ensure that those involved in such practices are held accountable.
Mnangagwa highlighted that the government would continue to regularize settlements that existed before the 2021 National Human Settlements Policy. This policy aims to address the widespread problem of land barons who have been exploiting citizens by illegally selling land, often without proper documentation or authorization. The president made it clear that the government is determined to stamp out these practices and protect citizens from being defrauded.
The president’s remarks come at a time when illegal land allocations have become a significant issue in Zimbabwe, with many citizens falling victim to unscrupulous individuals and groups who take advantage of the country’s housing shortages. These land barons have extended their activities to rural areas, including growth points, peri-urban areas, district service centers, rural service centers, and even villages in communal areas. Mnangagwa’s strong stance against this malpractice underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that land distribution is carried out fairly and transparently.
In his address, Mnangagwa called on traditional leaders to remain vigilant and ensure that proper procedures are followed when parceling out land in their jurisdictions. He urged village heads and other local leaders to refrain from engaging in illegal land distribution in anticipation of urbanization. Such practices, the president warned, must stop immediately, as they not only violate the law but also jeopardize the orderly development of the country.
Mnangagwa also urged residents to exercise caution when acquiring land or stands for residential development. He advised citizens to engage with relevant authorities before making any investments in land to ensure that they receive the correct guidance and assistance. This, he said, would help prevent them from falling victim to fraud and ensure that their investments are secure.
The president’s warning against illegal land allocations is part of a broader effort by the Zimbabwean government to address the challenges posed by informal settlements and unregulated urban growth. Last year, Mnangagwa launched the Presidential Title Deeds Programme, an initiative aimed at empowering residents of informal settlements and long-standing tenants by providing them with property rights. The program seeks to grant title deeds to those living in informal settlements, giving them legal ownership of their land and providing them with security of tenure.
During his speech, Mnangagwa praised the work of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce, which is spearheading the Presidential Title Deeds Programme. He acknowledged the task force’s efforts in mobilizing resources for infrastructure development through partnerships with the private sector. The program, represented by the Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deed Programme Trust, is seen as a key component of the government’s strategy to formalize informal settlements and improve living conditions for thousands of Zimbabweans.
The Dzivarasekwa Flats project, which Mnangagwa officially commissioned, represents a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing for its citizens. The project was fully funded by the government and carried out by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. It was conceived as a response to the devastating floods that hit Budiriro in 2021, which left many families displaced and in need of new housing.
The newly completed Dzivarasekwa Flats consist of four blocks, each designed to accommodate 48 families. The flats are built with climate resilience in mind, featuring solar geysers and thick brick walls that provide insulation against extreme weather conditions. The project is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure that new housing developments are sustainable and can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.
