Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
THE Government has approved the implementation of the “user pays principle” to regularise and compensate for housing projects developed on privately owned indigenous land, other properties and urban State land under the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle Programme.
Under the new arrangement, beneficiaries of the programme will be required to pay the total development costs, including the value of land, servicing costs and other related expenses.
Cabinet said Government will facilitate negotiations between the indigenous or private landowners and the beneficiaries, allowing residents to purchase the land directly over an agreed period of time.
One of the major projects covered under the policy is the Whitecliff Farm in Harare, a 1 065.7-hectare property where over 11 000 families have settled.
Government and the landowner, Eddies Pfugari Estate, have agreed on US$44 million as compensation for the land.
Authorities say the adoption of the user pays principle will bring multiple benefits, including security of tenure through the Presidential Title Deeds Programme, ensuring beneficiaries receive title deeds that add value to their properties; improved access to basic services and properly planned settlements; enhanced ability to enforce order and reduce criminal activities within the communities; and increased revenue generation for Government and local authorities through rates and levies.
The move is part of Government’s ongoing efforts to regularise informal settlements and ensure sustainable urban development while empowering citizens with legitimate property ownership.
