Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in MAZOWE, Mashonaland Central
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday brought joy to 1 000 A1 farmers from Mashonaland Central as he issued title deeds under the second round of the Presidential Title Deeds Programme.
In addition to being issued the crucial documents, the beneficiaries will benefit from the Productivity Booster Kit Programme launched yesterday.
In an interview after being handed over her title deeds, 80-year-old Stephen Chingodza could not hide his joy.
“Mwanangu (my son) I do not even know where to begin, the President has honoured us today.
“I did not believe that this day would come, while I am still alive, now I know that I have security of tenure and my family is overjoyed,” he said.
Rosemary Magobo (75) said the Second Republic had done something she thought would not be possible in her life time.
“Today I am a proud owner of land with title deeds who can leave the land to my family with all its proper papers.
“Not only that, but now I have access to financing because of those critical documents so the Government has really done a very big thing for me today,” she said.
Another beneficiary, 70-year-old Milka Changwa, who has been on her piece of land for 20 years, said she was now at ease after being handed over the title deeds.
“I am at a loss for words, I have been on this piece of land for almost 20 years now, so believe me when I tell you that today I am happy, my soul is happy,” said a visibly teary Changwa.
Speaking during the launch, Chairperson of the Land Technical Committee Dr Kuda Tagwirei said beneficiaries of the title deeds would receive US$6 000 loans under the Booster Kit Programme.
The loans will be payable over seven years.
“Today the President gave title deeds to 1 000 farmers from Mashonaland Central and all these farmers will get loans for the booster kits.
“They are getting these loans from AFC Bank which will be paid over seven years, but they will also be given 20 years to pay for the title deeds,” he said.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the handing over of title deeds was a momentous milestone in the country’s growth and development.
“This is yet another history making gathering to consolidate the gains of the Second Republic,” he said.
Minister Masuka also took time to announce that Mazowe had been the leading district during this winter cropping season.
“Mazowe is the biggest wheat growing district in the country,” he said.
Mashonaland Central Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo commended President Mnangagwa for the land tenure initiative.
“We appreciate you Your Excellency for always placing the people at the centre of your development,” he said.
The Provincial Minister said agriculture and mining remained Mashonaland Central’s mainstay activities.
“Agriculture and mining remain key pillars of our provincial economy,” he said.
The title deeds initiative was launched by President Mnangagwa last December at Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe to issue deeds of transfer to beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme comprising 23 500 A2 farmers and more than 360 000 A1 farmers.
This national initiative aims to enhance land tenure security and unlock economic potential for landowners.
Online Reporter