Story by Wellington Makonese
Government has called out land barons and rural community leaders for parceling out state land, saying decisive action will be taken against offenders.
The rampant sale of state land in wetlands, pastures and farming areas converted to residential stands has become a pressing concern.
Alarm bells are ringing as the illegal practice is not only damaging the environment, but is also depriving communities of essential resources.
The Secretary for Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti spoke to ZBC News on government’s course of action and the role of provincial authorities in land management.
“We are concerned about the rampant corruption happening at district levels. Traditional leaders, district development coordinators and other officials are making decisions without the knowledge of ministers of state or secretaries of state. This is a disconnect that needs to be addressed. So, Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution are now going to be chairing any form of provincial economic development. They are in charge of their provinces, and we cannot have local authorities or district offices making decisions that are not in line with the province’s direction,” he said.
He added that stern action will be taken against offenders regardless of social standing.
“We encourage those who have bought land from land barons in communal areas to vacate themselves. This practice is not only illegal but also harmful to the environment and the communities. We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior. The nation is aware that the provincial council bill which will be amended by the Minister of Local Government and until such a bill comes out, and the devolution policy or act is in place through the Office of the President, no one should jump the gun. We also have Chinese investors being given land by local authorities, this should stop. Even officials in government will be reined in. Anyone who is involved will be arrested.”
Central government has been taking action to curb corruption and ensure the protection of state land and resources in rural areas, with local authorities being directed to deliver master plans to guide them in their operations
