Govt Cracks Down on Land Barons, Tightens Title Deeds Programme

Harare – The Government has announced it will not issue title deeds for houses built on illegally allocated land by land barons, as part of a sweeping move to clamp down on fraudulent land deals and safeguard homeownership rights.

Speaking to state media, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda stressed that only settlements that meet regulatory standards and have essential infrastructure will be eligible for regularisation under the Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deeds Programme.

“We are not issuing title deeds for houses built on land allocated by land barons,” said Minister Soda. “We are working with the Kwangu/Ngakwami Trust to mobilise resources for regularisation, including road construction and water and sewer system installations. Once assessments confirm a settlement is suitable, title deeds will be issued.”

The government’s stance comes amid concerns that rogue land barons are seeking to exploit the Presidential Title Deeds Programme, which aims to provide secure homeownership for ordinary Zimbabweans.

Minister Soda outlined that the Government, in partnership with the Kwangu/Ngakwami Trust, is prioritising infrastructure development in qualifying settlements, ensuring that only properties in compliant and properly serviced areas will be granted title deeds.

In a show of progress, the Government has already begun issuing 21,000 title deeds to homeowners in state-sanctioned housing schemes, with eligible citizens urged to visit district offices with identity documents, proof of payment, lease agreements, and sales agreements.

“Our ministry prepares the files, which are then sent to the Deeds Office for issuance,” Soda explained. “Significant progress has been made in Epworth, where the Kwangu/Ngakwami Trust has established field offices to facilitate the process.”

The initiative covers both Government housing schemes and State land distributed by local councils, with the goal of empowering homeowners, improving tenure security, and increasing property values.

Minister Soda also issued a strong warning to home-seekers, urging them to avoid intermediaries and deal directly with Government offices to avoid being duped by land barons.

“We urge citizens to take title deeds seriously and to avoid intermediaries. We work directly with citizens and do not want them to lose their money to unscrupulous activities by land barons,” he said.

As part of its broader commitment to improving housing delivery, the Government is also rolling out several projects across the country, including:
• The recently commissioned flats in Dzivaresekwa;
• Ongoing construction of four blocks of flats in Dombotombo, Marondera, set for completion by early 2025;
• New housing developments in Lupane to cater to its growing status as Matabeleland North’s provincial capital;
• Planned housing in Siakobvu and Mutawatawa for civil servants;
• The Crownlands project in Chinhoyi, which will provide over 1,000 serviced stands for Government employees.

Minister Soda reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to tackling housing challenges, reducing commuting costs for civil servants, and securing affordable homeownership for Zimbabweans.

“With various efforts underway, Zimbabwe’s housing sector is set for a major transformation,” Soda said. “But citizens must be cautious and only acquire properties through legal channels.”

The Government maintains that legal, well-serviced, and properly regulated housing developments remain key to securing Zimbabwe’s urban future.