Govt suspends urban land allocations

GOVERNMENT has temporarily suspended the allocation of State land until an efficient and transparent system that ensures urban State land is key in facilitating sustainable and functional developments is in operation.

According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the moratorium will pave the way for the finalisation of the ongoing process that are reviewing and strengthening existing policy framework and guidelines on the administration and management of Urban State Land.

“In the interest of the public, the Government of Zimbabwe wishes to advise the nation of measures being put in place to enhance the administration and management of Urban State Land.

“The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is mandated to administer, on behalf of His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mangagwa, Urban State Land, itself a finite heritage resource that is central to the national development thrust as espoused in the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030.

The ministry implored stakeholders including the general public to be patient while the Ministry concludes the process.

“It is therefore imperative that an efficient and transparent system is put in place to ensure that Urban State Land plays a role in facilitating sustainable and functional developments.

“The Ministry therefore wishes to announce the imposition, with immediate effect, of a moratorium on allocation of Urban State Land until further notice.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently  issued June 30 as the deadline for all local authorities to have approved master plans.

At that time only eight of 92 councils had approved plans, making it difficult for the rest of the local authorities to plan for the improvement and delivery of services.

Chitungwiza municipality was this week rescued by Prophet Walter Magaya who is funding the cash-strapped council’s master plan.