The land ownership revolution known as KWANGU/NGAKWAMI Presidential Title Deeds, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Epworth, has entered its final stretch, with over 22,000 residents set to receive title deeds in the coming weeks.

In the first phase of the programme, 23,000 residents received title deeds, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 45,000 stand owners in this informal settlement.

The initiative marks a significant milestone toward Epworth attaining full town status. Launched by President Mnangagwa, the programme aims to formalize unregulated settlements and strengthen property rights, with Epworth serving as the flagship beneficiary.

Once issued, the registered stand owners will be able to use the title deeds as collateral for financial assistance, boosting economic empowerment for families previously living without legal documentation.

Epworth Local Board Secretary Dr. Wilton Mhanda confirmed the development, stating that the regularization exercise is nearing completion and that over 22,000 households are eligible for registration under the initiative. He added that a total of 45,000 stand owners will receive deeds within two months once outstanding infrastructural works are completed.

“Our regularization exercise is almost complete. Over 45,000 families will benefit from title deeds under the KWANGU/NGAKWAMI programme,” said Dr. Mhanda.
“Upon completion of road resurfacing and land demarcation in the remaining areas, deeds will be issued to eligible households under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme.”

He hailed the initiative as a game-changing development for informal settlements, as it will not only improve administration but also enable the collection of rates and levies, improving service delivery and infrastructure development.

“This programme is a milestone in the development of infrastructure across the country. Many informal settlements had unapproved structures, making it difficult for councils to collect rates and provide services,” Dr. Mhanda added.

Dr. Mhanda also highlighted that formalizing Epworth would help curb criminal and immoral activities that had become rampant due to the area’s unregulated status. He said illegal settlements had made it difficult for police to trace criminals, many of whom had no fixed addresses.

“The high levels of criminality that tormented Epworth will significantly drop. Law enforcement will now be able to identify households accommodating criminals, which will make it easier to trace and apprehend offenders.”

The KWANGU/NGAKWAMI Presidential Title Deeds Programme is designed to secure property rights for Zimbabweans living in informal or unregulated settlements, long-time tenants in council housing, and residents in rural growth points. Beyond land ownership, the programme aims to upgrade infrastructure, including tarred roads, water supply, and sewerage systems, to improve living standards.

It will also play a critical role in mobilizing infrastructure bonds to raise funds for service delivery and housing improvements in previously neglected areas.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Mr. Nick Mangwana, noted that under the programme, designs for roads, water, and sewage systems in Epworth’s Ward 7, Ward 6 Extension, and Glenwood Extension have been completed.