malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT is going to extend the ‘No to Land Barons and Illegal Settlements’ operation, to restore sanity across the country.
The operation had been initially scheduled to run between January 10 2024 and February 9 2024.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Online, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development director for lands administration Mr Nyasha Dendere said:
“At the end of the period, it was noted that there was still a lot to do in terms of taking those that have been arrested to court, as well as accessing those areas that have not been reached,” he said.
The Government has said anyone intending to settle on state land should do the proper procedures.
“By lawful authority we are talking of a letter permit or a lease, so these people are illegal settlers in terms of the law.
“We encourage them to vacate the state land,” he said.
Mr Dendere said state land is not for sale.
He added that those who apply for state land should be given land officially, and without any payment of money.
In a separate interview, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development communications and advocacy officer Mr Lonster Mutata said people should desist from taking shortcuts.
“The establishment of order on agricultural land is critical for the rural development and rural industrialisation thrust to materialise, as well as for the attainment of Vision 2030.
“It is important for people to acquire land legally, and avoid being duped of their hard-earned money.
“We strongly advise the public to adhere to proper procedures of acquiring land, and not to pay for land,” said Mr Mutata.
Online Reporter