‘Time for land barons to face the music’

 

Samuel Kadungure
News Editor

THE unauthorised subdivision of land in peri-urban areas, contravening the masterplans of urban local authorities, has become a major headache in Manicaland, with councils now taking a firm stance to bring to book those responsible for these illicit activities.

An investigation by The Manica Post has revealed that the problem is widespread throughout the province, with numerous instances of luxurious homes being constructed on vast tracts of land that was illegally sold at negligible prices by unscrupulous traditional leaders and land barons.

This rampant disregard for the law has raised serious questions about the governance and management of land in the province. The situation has, not only led to the proliferation of informal settlements, but also undermined the integrity of the urban planning process.

Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge confirmed that nearly all local authorities in the province are facing significant challenges, but surprisingly, they are not taking proactive steps to address these issues.

Mr Maronge emphasised that local authorities have the power to ensure sanity and regulate development and land use under their jurisdiction.

He urged them to utilise their masterplans and the Communal Lands Act, as well as the Traditional Leaders Act, to address these challenges.

“Yes, it is a serious problem, despite Government having made it clear that it is unacceptable. Our local authorities should assert their authority and take action against those responsible. They have the power to ensure sanity, and should not ignore the issue or pretend that they are powerless.

“The Communal Lands Act and Traditional Leaders Act grant them these powers, and they should not relinquish them. Now that they have masterplans in place, they should use these to regulate development and land use within their jurisdiction. We expect to see local authorities taking firm action, and we anticipate an improvement in this area,” said Mr Maronge.

A check around the province has unravelled serious challenges.

In Mutare District, land is also being sold in Chigodora and Zimunya, where mansions are being built.

Rusape Town Council is grappling with a pressing issue as settlers around Sanzaguru have sold land earmarked for urban expansion to home seekers. Consequently, numerous unapproved and unregulated houses are sprouting up in the area, creating an uncontrolled development situation.

This lack of regulation has resulted in a free-for-all scenario, undermining the council’s ability to manage growth and ensure orderly development.

The unchecked construction of these beautiful houses, not only poses a risk to the environment, but also compromises the town’s future planning and infrastructure development.

Similar challenges are being faced at growth points like Nyabadza and Makoni North, Ward 35 and Chase Farm, where Makoni Rural District Council is engaged in ongoing battles with unscrupulous illegal land occupiers.

Makoni Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Edmore Chidembo said these individuals are illegally mortgaging land to desperate home seekers, while also forging development permits.

“At Chase Farm, 160 people were sold land illegally and are currently constructing buildings. As the local authority, we have arrested 54 individuals, and effectively obtained demolition orders for them.
“Land allocation procedure is clear – no land can be allocated without the involvement of the local authority. Therefore, all activities undertaken by these people are illegal. As council, we are insisting that the occupants should vacate the land immediately. The situation is rampant and intolerable,” said Engineer Chidembo.

Makoni District Development Coordinator, Mr Edwin Mashindi said the district land committee is collaborating closely with the two local authorities.

“The issues are currently before the courts. We have identified village heads who have been illegally parcelling out land, and demolition orders have been obtained against them. Additionally, we are still investigating other individuals involved in these activities, as the numbers continue to rise. We are working diligently with Makoni Rural District Council to address this issue. As the lands committee, we have referred the matter for prosecution of the perpetrators,” he said.

Mr Mashindi further explained that in Muyengwa Village, surrounding Sanzaguru, which is now part of the Rusape masterplan, they are working with Rusape Town Council to ensure the eviction of beneficiaries under the illegal scheme.

“These individuals have been constructing permanent structures in an unplanned manner. Only houses that were present when the land was incorporated into the Rusape masterplan are recognised, and those constructed thereafter will be demolished, as the land is earmarked for significant investment,” he said.

In Mutasa, the same situation is obtaining at Manica Bridge and Watsomba were illegal land deals are rampant.