Epworth’s Kwangu/Ngakwami title deeds programme gathers pace
Harare – The Epworth Local Bard is targeting to complete the
registration of 45 000 stand owners to be deeds proprietors under the
Presidential title deeds programme (KWANGU /NGAKWAMI), with more than
23 000 residents already owning title deeds in the once informal
settlement of Epworth, which is slowly attaining a town status.
The presidential title deeds programme is aimed at formalizing the
dormitory settlement which was 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 Title Deeds initiative. A total of 45 000 household owners are to be entitled to title
deeds in two months when the council completes all the required works.
“Our regularization exercise is almost complete. Over 45 000 families will be privileged, receiving title deeds under the KWANGU/NGAKWAMI,”
said Dr Mhanda.
“Upon completion of roads
resurfacing and land marking in some areas, in two months from now, 45 000 stand owners will receive deeds under the presidential title deeds programme.”
Dr Mhanda acknowledged the presidential initiative describing the development
as a major achievement for informal settlements in the country as it will ease business for local authorities.The exercise will help in administering the settlements and collecting
rates and levies for improved service delivery.
Dr Mhanda said this will also help in improving infrastructural development
through proper planned housing structures approved and inspected by council.
“The Presidential Title 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 and immoral 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.
The KWANGU NGAKWAMI Presidential title 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.
