Gwanda in land audit to repossess undeveloped stands

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

THE Gwanda Municipality is conducting a land audit to identify stands within the town that have remained undeveloped for a long time, for repossession.

In an interview, Gwanda mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo said the audit will cover both residential and commercial stands. He said the municipality has noted with concern that some stands have remained undeveloped for over a decade. Alderman said some of the stands are not fully paid. He said the stands have become a space for people to practice open defaecation. He said landowners are supposed to develop their properties within two years of being allocated.

“It’s important to note that when you apply for land and are allocated space we expect compliance in terms of development. Yes, we accept that there are some economic hardships but people can’t just relax in developing their land as this stalls development. Some of these undeveloped land results in disputes.

“We are in the process of conducting a land audit which will result in the repossession of undeveloped stands. We will repossess stands that haven’t been developed for more than two years,” he said.

Alderman Moyo said infrastructure development is key to development and urban growth and it can be realised if existing land is developed. He said an increase in infrastructure can improve the state of the town.

@DubeMatutu