Safety When Dealing with Allocation and Alienation of Municipal Land in Zimbabwe:
Introduction:
Found immense value in the news article below, as in it, the prophylaxis against being duped by land-barons (at least when it comes to dealing with municipal or urban-local authority land) was revealed. Namely, this involves having an apprehension of section 152 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15] which outlines procedures pertaining to the allocation [typically letting, and/or letting with an option for purchase] and alienation [be it partial or full] of municipal land.
Some of the most proficient urban local authorities in the land even go a step further by having either their Housing & Community Services Department, or their Valuation & Estates Management department draft housing policy and procedures manuals. Such treatises flesh out the tenets and procedures of the aforementioned section 152 of the Act, in particular, the terms and conditions of such allocations or alienations of municipal land, as well as how one may be an eligible applicant if seeking allocation or alienation of municipal land.
For instance, was particularly impressed with a notice of alienation flighted by Chipinge Town Council in the February 11th, 2024 edition of the Sunday Mail. In it, the council made reference to section 152 of the aforementioned Act, as well as section 4.2 of their own Housing Policy and Procedures Manual. The notice then went on to outline the requirements of eligible applicants, such as, inter-alia:
“- Proof of being on [the] waiting list for [a] particular stand type.”
“- Proof of funds to pay [for] servicing fees.”
“- Applicant will also be required to pay lease application and agreement and peg search fees before allocation.”
“- Occupation of any allocated stand for development purposes shall only be permitted after full servicing.”
Some pretty water-tight requirements which definitely abet the cause of stakeholder safety and satisfaction.
If one is in Zimbabwe’s metropolis of Harare, an institution they may visit for additional counsel and insight when it comes to safety when dealing with municipal land, is the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe, whose physical address is:
1st Floor,
Insurance House,
30 Samora Machel Avenue,
Harare.
The Assocation’s membership directory, as well as other useful information may be found by accessing its web address of:
Body:
Without further ado, below is a reproduction of the news article which delivered utility unto yours truly:
领英推荐
“Mutare grapples with critical land shortage:”
"October 8th, 2024"
"The Mutare City Council is grappling with a severe land shortage amid an ever increasing demand for stands from residents."
"The council’s deputy director for housing Noel Mushangwe revealed the challenge at the Mutare City Council Client Satisfaction Survey workshop held in Mutare yesterday. He said the council had exhausted its land reserves with only state land remaining. “Private owners control the remaining land, which falls outside our jurisdiction. When you see stands being allocated somewhere, it belongs to private owners, who are subdividing the stands. Council only comes to service on that land,” Mushangwe said."
"However, Mushangwe also assured residents that the council maintained transparency in land allocation, adhering to the Urban Councils Act. “We follow the Urban Council's Act section 152 that clearly spells out what council should do in terms of parceling out stands."
“The council [councilors and management] sets conditions on how to sell, lease, donate and transfer the land. We then advertise twice in the national newspapers on the allocation of stands. “We put notices on all council offices advertising the stands inviting all those interested to apply for those stands. Applicants will then get assessment forms and go through a transparent verification process.”
"Meanwhile, the residents applauded the council on improved service delivery, noting consistent clean water supply, efficient refuse collection and the acquisition of utility vehicles and equipment. “We are thrilled to see the positive changes in our community. The council's efforts to provide basic services have not gone unnoticed,” Alliya Marange said. Peter Mufunde, another resident, echoed the same sentiments saying the council’s utility vehicles have greatly improved waste management in the city."
"Mutare deputy mayor John Nyamhoka emphasised on the importance of collaborative engagement between the council and residents to enhance service delivery and foster effective communication."
“By working together, the council can better understand the needs and concerns of the community, ensuring that services are tailored to meet those needs,” he said. “Effective communication is key to successful service delivery. When residents are involved in the decision-making process, they are more likely to feel invested in the outcomes and more willing to hold the council accountable. “This accountability is crucial in ensuring that the council remains transparent and responsive to the community’s needs.”
Accessed October 8th, 2024"
Conclusion:
As always, would be honored to assist one in being safe and satisfied when seeking some lawful interest in land and the built environment in Zimbabwe.
Regards.
Tatenda Kangwende is proud and honored to be a real estate professional. For serious and productive business pertaining to real estate in Zimbabwe, reach him via:
Mobile: +263 714 729 043
Email: [email protected]