Title deeds unlock economic value as Government formalises peri-urban settlements

THE issuance of title deeds to 25 homeowners at Kings City in Umguza District yesterday marked another step in the Government’s drive to unlock the economic value of land, formalise settlements and strengthen orderly urban expansion under the Second Republic’s land tenure reforms.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the programme demonstrates the Government’s practical commitment to strengthening local governance, promoting organised urban development and ensuring citizens gain secure ownership of land.

The handover forms part of the Presidential Title Deeds and Settlement Regularisation Programme launched by President Mnangagwa in Epworth in 2023 to formalise insecure and previously untitled settlements.

Minister Garwe said more than 600 families across the country have already benefited from the initiative in areas such as Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, Southlea Park and Epworth in Harare, as well as Federation in Mutare.

“I am pleased to announce that to date, more than 600 families have benefited from this scheme across the country. Let me assure you the pace is not slackening but gathering momentum,” said Minister Garwe.

He said the 25 beneficiaries at Kings City had now moved from being ordinary occupants to fully recognised property owners, a transition that gives them legal certainty and financial leverage.

“Secure property rights are fundamental to economic growth. With title deeds, homeowners can access finance, improve their properties, start businesses and contribute meaningfully to local economic development,” said Minister Garwe.

He said title deeds transform untitled land into productive assets, allowing families to unlock what economists describe as “dead capital” by using property as collateral for investment and wealth creation.

Minister Garwe said the development was aligned with the Government’s broader objective of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 through planned and serviced settlements.

“This is not merely a handover of documents; it is a victory for the community and a significant step forward in our national journey towards organised, high-quality urban settlement,” he said.

Minister Garwe described Kings City as a model of effective private-public sector collaboration, commending developer Radar Properties and local planning authorities for ensuring compliance with planning and survey requirements before settlement.

“Kings City is a shining example of private-public partnership. I would like to commend the local authority, planners, engineers and all stakeholders who worked tirelessly to regularise this settlement and ensure compliance with planning standards. Development must be orderly, sustainable and must uplift communities,” he said.

Minister Garwe said by prioritising legal compliance and infrastructure, Radar Properties had set a benchmark for responsible land development.

“A title deed is more than a certificate; it is a financial instrument. It allows families to access credit, build generational wealth and invest with peace of mind,” he said.

Minister Garwe said the Government remains determined to eliminate illegal settlements and land barons while promoting transparency, proper urban planning and improved service delivery.

“We are correcting years of uncertainty. We are formalising settlements, regularising communities and bringing order, structure and legality to urban and peri-urban spaces,” he said.

Minister Garwe challenged other developers to emulate Kings City by ensuring transparency and timely transfer of ownership documents to buyers.

“We want to see more handovers, more transparency and more families celebrating this level of security.

I would like to thank Radar Properties for their profes sionalism and for contributing significantly to the expansion of our urban landscape,” he said.

Bene ficiaries said the title deeds had given them confidence to invest in their properties. Angela Chigova said receiving the deed marked the fulfilment of a long-held dream.

“This is a dream come true for me. I am now a legal land owner in Zimbabwe and I will be building a very beautiful house,” she said.

Winnie Mvima praised the developer for profes sionalism and transparency.
“Everything they do is above board. Receiving the title deed is exciting for me,” she said.