Story by Grace Sibanda
GOVERNMENT has issued a stern warning against land barons who continue to parcel out land to unsuspecting home seekers countrywide.
This came out at the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Strategic Workshop held in Bulawayo this Wednesday.
The government has reaffirmed its position that all urban land should be distributed through legal entities in conjunction with local authorities.
This comes as unsuspecting home seekers continue to fall victim to land barons’ illegal activities, a development that has led to the demolition of some illegal settlements by local authorities.
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe reiterated that the government does not want to see houses being demolished, hence the need for home seekers to follow the correct procedures in purchasing residential stands and constructing houses.
He said, “It is very sad to see people`s houses being demolished. The local authority demolished on their own will, whereas they could have given people more time to decide their next move, not to say we are condoning such behaviour as we have called the local authority to stop with immediate effect. Home seekers need to verify before they start committing resources.”
The strategic planning workshop also brought to the fore the need for all local authorities and the citizenry to be abreast with digital technologies.
“As we are strategising for 2025, I urge all local authorities to get on board with technology as this will save people a lot of stress. The system that we are introducing in the coming year is going to assist even those who are abroad to be able to have a track record of their land purchases from the get-go so that you know that your land acquisition is from a credible source,” Honourable Garwe.
The government is working flat out to flash out land barons and ensure sanity in the distribution and sale of land.
