The Murehwa Town Board has launched a decisive crackdown on illegal land allocations, commonly known as “sabhuku deals” by introducing a mandatory residential permit system for all residents within its jurisdiction.
Speaking to Hurumende News Hub, Murehwa Town Board Chief Executive Officer Mr Alois Gurajena emphasised that every resident living within the board’s boundaries must now possess residential permits, a move aimed at restoring order to land administration in the area.
“All residents living within the boundaries of the Murehwa Town Board are supposed to have residential permits,” said Gurajena.
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“This will make it easier for us whenever we want to plan for an area, to identify who settled legally or illegally and assess bona fide occupants who may deserve compensation during regularisation processes.”
The permit system is designed to serve as a powerful deterrent against illegal land allocations, as the council will refuse to issue permits to those who settled without following proper procedures.
“This is also important in curtailing sabhuku deals, as council will not issue permits to people who settled without following proper procedures or who may have occupied land designated for other purposes. We are using statutory instruments to guide this process,” said Mr Gurajena.
In a coordinated effort to stamp out unauthorised land dealings, the board’s audit department has partnered with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to investigate cases of illegal land allocations and unauthorised parcelling out of land.
“The audit department is working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to investigate cases of sabhuku deals or land allocations conducted outside due process and put an end to such activities,” he said.
Residents who fail to obtain residential permits face significant risks, particularly when the local authority undertakes future regularisation exercises. According to the board, permits will serve as crucial documentation to determine bona fide occupants and distinguish legitimate settlers from those who acquired land through irregular means.
Those without proper documentation could see their investments lost when the council moves to regularise settlements in the area.
