The Government has taken a firm stance to ensure that homeownership in Zimbabwe is based on legality and proper infrastructure development. In an effort to clamp down on illegal settlements, authorities have declared that title deeds will only be issued to properties that meet regulatory standards, leaving out homes built on land illegally parcelled out by land barons.
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda underscored the importance of due diligence in the allocation of title deeds. He explained that the Government, in partnership with the Kwangu/Ngakwami Trust, is working to regularize settlements through proper infrastructure development, including roads, water supply, and sewer systems. Only once these standards are met will homeowners be eligible for title deeds.
At the heart of the initiative is the Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deeds Programme, designed to provide Zimbabweans with secure homeownership. However, Minister Soda warned against fraudulent land dealings, urging citizens to engage only with Government offices and avoid intermediaries.
Meanwhile, the issuance of 21,000 title deeds for properties acquired through state-sanctioned housing schemes has begun, with significant progress already recorded in Epworth, where field offices have been set up to facilitate the process. Eligible homeowners are required to present identity documents, proof of payment, lease agreements, and sales agreements for verification before deeds are processed at the Deeds Office.
Beyond title regularization, the Government has embarked on multiple housing projects to expand access to affordable and well-serviced homes. These include flats in Dzivaresekwa, newly constructed housing units in Lupane, and developments in Marondera, Siakobvu, Mutawatawa, and Chinhoyi, among other locations.
With the housing sector poised for transformation, Minister Soda reiterated the need for citizens to acquire property through legal means. By reinforcing regulatory frameworks and investing in infrastructure, the Government aims to provide lasting housing solutions while safeguarding homeownership rights for Zimbabweans.
