Government halts State land allocations for housing projects

Richard Muponde

Zimpapers Politics Hub

The Government has imposed a moratorium on the issuance of State land for housing projects in a bid to curb the activities of land barons who have been illegally occupying and selling land that is meant for development projects and public amenities.

The decision is aimed at regularising existing illegal settlements and preventing further unauthorised developments, which have become rampant as a result of land barons’ illegal activities.

Over the years, unscrupulous individuals have exploited unsuspecting homebuyers, fraudulently selling plots on State land and swindling their hard-earned money.

National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda told the Zimpapers Politics Hub that home seekers must be cautious and avoid dealing with land barons.

“The Government gave a moratorium where issuance or applications for State land have been stopped,” he said.

“Currently, there is no State land that you can apply for and get to do some developments. That has been stopped.

“That was a result of land barons who would dupe prospective house owners.”