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New rules for land developers

23 Aug, 2015 - 00:08 0 Views
New rules for land developers Cde Kasukuwere

The Sunday Mail

Government will introduce stringent regulations to punish land developers who cheat home-seekers, a Cabinet minister has said.

Cde Kasukuwere

Cde Kasukuwere

The measures will tighten registration procedures, punish errant developers and empower authorities to check actual development against urban planning requirements.

Fly-by-night property developers have been taking advantage of self-regulation and minimum council supervision to dupe thousands of home-seekers of their money.

Many are believed to work with officials at local authorities to parcel out land illegally, and invariably sell the same property to more than one person.

The practice is reportedly rampant in Harare and Chitungwiza.

A dozen shadowy land barons have in recent weeks been arrested for allegedly defrauding people in Harare’s Budiriro, Caledonia and Hatcliffe suburbs.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere said the “special instrument” would enhance transparency and accountability.

“There must be ethics and correct conduct among all land developers so that they do not continue to fleece people, putting our country’s name into disrepute.

“We hear there are some officials involved, but we wait for police. It is chaotic. (Land barons) have been selling the same land three or five times and pocketing the money without providing any service.”

Minister Kasukuwere said Government was determined to restore public confidence in the housing sector, a key deliverable of Zim-Asset.

That plan targets to cut the 1,2 million housing backlog by delivering over 300 000 low-cost housing units and/or residential stands by 2018.

Minister Kasukuwere encouraged home-seekers to purchase land from reputable developers.

Institute of Town Planners president Mr Percy Toriro said self-regulation was no licence for unethical conduct and land developers were bound by laws like the Regional Town and Country Act.

“The problem is people do not first get those settlements approved by authorities. What is happening now is that basic processes were not being followed,” said Mr Toriro.

Combined Harare Residents’ Association president Mr Mfundo Mlilo added, “Government should step up investigations and arrest land barons as they have brought much suffering to home-seekers.

“Police should up the ante. We commend the arrests they have made, but there should be more as home-seekers have suffered for a long time.”

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