Chronicle EditorFortunate Gora and Heather Charema
Government is set to partner with registered land developers in Mashonaland West to shut out land barons who have been duping home seekers. Addressing stakeholders who attended the World Habitat Day celebrations in Chinhoyi, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Mashonaland West, Cde Webster Shamu said the move was sparked by the increase in the number of people who were living in illegal settlements after paying land barons. “I am concerned with the increase in the number of people living in informal settlements in Zimbabwe, of whom the bulk are on designated land,” he said.
Cde Shamu said he was aware that land barons had taken advantage of the number of people who were seeking housing stands and the only way to shut them out was for Government to partner with registered land developers.
“I am also aware that land barons have taken advantage of the number of people seeking housing stands and have literally become a law unto themselves by parcelling out State land to unsuspecting home seekers. The only way to shut them out is for Government to go into smart partnership with registered land developers and to work hand-in-hand to reduce the housing backlog,” he said.
He said Government was engaging private players and other stakeholders in the provision of affordable housing for everyone and a number of housing delivery methods had to be applied to reach its goals.
“As Government we are reaffirming our commitment to facilitate provision of affordable housing for all. A range of housing delivery methods must be applied to make affordable housing provision a reality and as we strive to create cities for all, an urgent action for achieving affordable homes is needed and this requires a national commitment to come up with inclusive housing policies,” he said.
Reports by the United Nations show that the world has 1,6 billion people who do not have adequate housing and 1 billion live in slums and informal settlements.
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