Harare (New Ziana)-At least 4 000 residents of the dormitory town of Epworth have applied for title deeds and are still waiting to receive them, leading to growing frustration and allegations of mismanagement by the local board.
The title deeds are being issued under the Presidential Title Deeds and Settlement Regularisation Program, an initiative aimed at providing homeowners with legal ownership of their properties as part of government efforts to provide over 1.5 million households across the country.
However, as of February this year, many applicants were yet to receive their title deeds, leading to allegations of mismanagement with the Kushinga Epworth Residents Trust (KERT) and the Epworth Urban Residents Association (EURA) alleging that over 300 residents have been affected by land disputes, which they attribute to corruption within the Epworth Local Board.
John Mabwe, representing both KERT and EURA, expressed deep concern over the actions of the local board, saying they are acting as though they are above the law since they are ignoring three High Court Orders in favour of the residents.
In response, Epworth Local Board secretary Dr Wilton Mhanda refuted the allegations, stating that the regularization process was a collaborative effort involving residents, aiming to benefit existing occupants without causing displacement.
“Payments made by residents since 2001 were development levies intended for services like schools and clinics, not rates. Stand allocations were determined upon residents` participation in the regularization process, suggesting that disputes might involve individuals who did not fulfill these requirements,” he said.
Mhanda confirmed the overwhelming response to the program, highlighting the relief it brings to residents who have long waited formal ownership of their properties saying nearly 4000 residents have applied as well.
“I am very happy that this program has provided a long-awaited opportunity for the community. Many residents would have taken years to apply for title deeds, but now the process has been made easier,” he said.
He further clarified that despite these assurances, concerns persist over the legitimacy of the title deeds being issued, thousands of applicants may not receive fully qualifying legal documents due to the requirements such as approved building plans and completed title surveys.
Properties situated on wetlands face additional challenges, with relocation strategies under consideration.
“We respect the rights of those living in wetlands and have applied to the Government for the acquisition of additional land to accommodate them,” Mhanda said.
“Our goal is to acquire land to relocate residents from wetlands and rocky areas, ensuring safer and more sustainable living conditions,” he said.
The Presidential Title Deeds and Settlement Regularization Program continues to be a significant step in formalizing urban settlements and improving housing security for thousands of Zimbabweans.
New Ziana
