IN a landmark development, the Epworth Local Board is set to complete the registration of 45 000 stand owners to become formal title deed holders under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme KWANGU/NGAKWAMI,Express Mail Zim can report. Over 23 000 residents have already received their deeds in the the first phase of the formerly informal settlement which is now on the path to attaining full town status. The initiative was launched by President Mnangagwa and it aims to formalize unregulated settlements and enhance property rights with Epworth standing as a flagship beneficiary of the programme.The registered stand owners will be able to use their title deeds as collateral.Epworth Local Board Secretary Dr Wilton Mhanda 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 revealing that 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.“Presidential title deeds programme. “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,” 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. The exercise will help in administering the settlements and 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 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.KWANGU NGAKWAMI Presidential tittle deeds programme 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 initiative 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 Title Deeds Programme commenced.
“In Epworth the designs for water, sewage, and roads for Ward 7, Ward 6 Extension and Glenwood Extension were completed.
Source: Express Mail Zim
