Source: Regularisation of informal settlements top priority – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE country has placed the regularisation of informal settlements at the heart of its urban development agenda, with the Government reaffirming its commitment to restoring dignity and security of tenure for thousands of citizens living in unplanned settlements.
Speaking at the ongoing Second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said Government was taking bold steps to transform informal settlements into structured, serviced and inclusive communities.
Minister Garwe said the regularisation programme was anchored on responsive urban planning and the Presidential Title Deeds Programme, which seek to formalise settlements and empower residents economically.
“This programme is not just about land ownership, it is about restoring dignity, unlocking economic value and ensuring that every Zimbabwean has a secure place to call home,” he said.
Minister Garwe said the Government is targeting the issuance of 1,5 million title deeds, a move expected to formalise settlements while enabling residents to use their properties as collateral for economic activities.
“We want to unlock what has long been considered ‘dead capital’ and bring it into the mainstream economy,” he said.
“Security of tenure gives our citizens confidence to invest, build and improve their living conditions.”
The initiative is in line with the aspirations of Africa’s Agenda 2063, which prioritises inclusive and sustainable urbanisation across the continent.
Minister Garwe said regularisation efforts were being integrated into broader urban planning frameworks to ensure that settlements have access to essential services such as water, sanitation, roads and electricity.
“No settlement should be left behind,” Minister Garwe said.
“Regularisation goes hand in hand with infrastructure development. It is about creating communities that are safe, functional and dignified.”
In a bid to curb urban sprawl and preserve agricultural land, Minister Garwe said the country is also promoting urban densification while adopting green building standards to enhance climate resilience.
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