Zim Intensifies Crackdown on Land Barons to Safeguard Home Seekers
ZIMB Government has pledged to escalate its battle against land barons, with Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, asserting that those exploiting desperate individuals seeking housing will no longer be tolerated.
Addressing media at a working luncheon with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government in Harare, Minister Garwe emphasized that urban state land must serve the collective interests of all citizens, rather than enriching a select few through corrupt means.
“The policy vision is clear: we must achieve sustainable and efficient management of urban state land to promote urban development, equitable access, and optimal utilisation of this valuable resource.
“This is for the benefit of all Zimbabweans, not for land barons. It’s unacceptable that innocent people who voted us into office are being abused by these criminals. Land barons have inflicted immense pain and suffering, and it’s our duty to put an end to their activities,” said Minister Garwe.
Minister Garwe underscored that combating land barons is pivotal to realizing Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
He noted that illegal settlements orchestrated by land barons have marred the country’s cities and towns, undermining proper planning and service delivery.
“Land barons are tarnishing our local authorities, defacing our cities, and creating informal settlements that detract from the country’s future.
“If we’re serious about Vision 2030, we can’t allow unplanned settlements to strangle our urban areas. We must address this matter with utmost seriousness, restore law and order, and protect residents who trust us to represent their interests,” said Minister Garwe.
Minister Garwe called for collaboration among legislators and local authorities to tackle the issue, stressing the need for bolstered law enforcement to curb further land invasions.
“Who can sell 4,000 square metres of land for US$2,000? It’s unbelievable, unacceptable, and draconian,” he remarked.
“We must unite and convey the message that land barons have no place in Zimbabwe’s future. Their criminal actions deprive citizens of hard-earned money and undermine the integrity of our towns and cities. We must collectively end this, as leaders entrusted to protect the people,” said Minister Garwe.
The meeting highlighted the Government’s resolve to cleanse the housing sector and restore order to urban planning, with Minister Garwe affirming that the fight against land barons is a national imperative, not an option.
