Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga, Midlands Bureau
REDCLIFF Municipality is set to repossess 1 200 residential stands from beneficiaries who have defaulted on payments for nearly 15 years as the local authority takes steps to address a growing housing backlog.
Last month, the municipality issued a 30-day ultimatum for stand holders to clear their outstanding balances or risk losing the stands.
The deadline is set to expire on 20 April. The move comes amid mounting pressure on the housing department which has more than 1 500 applicants on its waiting list.
Redcliff is rapidly growing hence the corresponding surge in demand for houses.
Formerly home to a large workforce employed at the now-defunct Ziscosteel, the town has witnessed a sharp rise in informal settlements as the demand for residential stands continues to outstrip supply.
Redcliff Municipality’s Acting Director of Housing and Community Services Mr Ernest Chigwagwa said the council has suspended the allocation of new stands as it wants those allocated stands many years ago to clear their arrears.
“It is difficult to accept excuses when people have gone this long without fulfilling their obligations. We’re talking about individuals who acquired stands as far back as 2009 and are yet to complete payment,” said Mr Chigwagwa.
He said some of the defaulters had approached council proposing payment plans but the local authority is insisting on full payment for the stands.
Town Clerk Mr Gilson Chakauya said those who fail to clear their arrears will have their stands repossessed and allocated to other homeseekers on the council’s waiting list.
“If you haven’t paid in full for your stand, we will repossess it and allocate it to another homeseeker on the council’s waiting list. We cannot open new housing schemes while this issue remains unresolved,” he said.
Mr Chakauya added that, once the 30-day period lapses, the municipality will begin issuing formal notices to the defaulters.
“We will soon initiate the repossession process and issue letters to the affected individuals.
“We will negotiate around the amount already paid and we are encouraging the defaulters to settle their arrears before the deadline to avoid losing the stands,” he said.
The decision forms part of the municipality’s broader strategy to enhance accountability and ensure that land is allocated to individuals who are prepared to develop it.
Municipal records reveal that several beneficiaries who acquired stands over a decade ago have neither completed their payments nor commenced meaningful development.
