More than 23 000 households set to register for Presidential tittle deeds in Epworth
Harare – More than 23 000 stand owners are set to register for the
(KWANGU/NGAKWAMI) Presidential tittle deeds programme in Epworth this
month, with the number set to rise to 45 000 in two months.
The programme is aimed at formalizing the dormitory settlement which
is regarded as an informal settlement.
The registered stand owners will thus be able to use their title deeds as collateral.
Epworth Local Board Secretary Dr. Wilton Mhanda (pictured) confirmed the development affirming that, with the regularization exercise nearing completion, over 22 000 households are eligible for registration in the
Presidential Tittle Deeds initiative. An additional 23 000 stand owners are set to be entitled to tittle deeds in two months as soon as
the Epworth Council completes all the work.
“Our Regularization exercise is almost complete. Over 22 000 families will be privileged, receiving tittle deeds under the KWANGU/NGAKWAMI
Presidential tittle deeds programme. Upon completion of roads
resurfacing and land marking in some areas, in two months from now, an
additional 23 000 stand owners will also receive deeds under the same
presidential title deeds programme,” said Dr Mhanda.
He acknowledged the Presidential initiative describing the development as a major achievement for informal settlements in the
country as it will ease business for the local authorities administering the settlements in collecting rates and levies for
improved service delivery.
Dr Mhanda said this will help in improving infrastructural development through proper planned housing structures approved and inspected by
council.
“The Presidential Tittle deeds programme is a milestone step in the development of infrastructure in the country, most informal settlements did not have structures approved by council and it made it difficult for council to collect rates and levies in the areas, thereby affecting service delivery,” said Dr Mhanda.
Epworth had become a hub of criminal activities with many illegal activities arising as the area had no proper tracing.
High level crimes were often reported in the area due to illegal settling and it had become a tough task for law enforcement agents to apprehend the perpetrators as they had no fixed abode.
Drug and substance abuse and prostitution had become rampant because of illegal settlements and the area was now a notorious red light zone district.
The Epworth Local Board Secretary said there was now a sigh of relief for the residents who were no longer safe because of high criminality in the area,
“The high levels of criminality which had tormented Epworth will
decrease, because law enforcement agents will be able to identify people who will be accommodating these criminals after registration of
the households, thereby making it easy for the police to trace the criminals,” said Dr Mhanda.
KWANGU NGAKWAMI Presidential tittle deeds programme launched by
President Emmerson Mngangagwa is meant to enhance property rights for
all Zimbabweans by providing title deeds to residents of informal or
unregulated settlements, long-standing tenants in local authority housing, and occupants in rural growth points.
The initiative was also meant to improve essential infrastructure,
comprising tarred roads, water supply and sewerage systems, to enrich living conditions.
The inventiveness was also meant to synchronize the floating of infrastructure bonds to raise funds for service provision and housing upgrades in informal settlements.
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and
Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, in a statement when the Presidential Tittle Deeds Programme commenced, said : “In Epworth, the designs for water, sewage, and roads for Ward 7, Ward 6 Extension, and Glenwood Extension were completed by the consulting engineers.”