Residents of Whitecliff in Zvimba East Constituency have welcomed the government’s decision to issue title deeds to beneficiaries of the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle housing scheme, describing it as a long-awaited step towards securing their tenure and unlocking local development.
The move follows a Cabinet announcement that formal processes have begun to facilitate negotiations between beneficiaries and landowners, paving the way for residents to acquire legal ownership of their properties under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme.
Councilor for Ward 35 Ephraim Gonzo , said the initiative reflects President Emerson Mnangagwa led government’s commitment to ensuring security of tenure and promoting inclusive urban development.
“We’re very great full by the recent developments by the Cabinet to resolve a long standing battle to compensate Eddies Pfugari Estate and now residents are able to acquire tittle deeds and this is one of the things which the ruling party ZANU PF has promised residents during the 2023 election campaign which became a reality within five years”, Gonzo said.
Gonzo added that Visiton 2030 is a reality as the government is working to improve the settlement.
“Slowly, vision 2039 is now becoming a reality and we’re currently working to restore sunity in Whitecliff,” added Gonzo.
For Edwin Mbofana, the announcement marks the end of nearly two decades of uncertainty over land ownership, following the post-2000 land reform program and the subsequent expansion of urban housing schemes.
“This gives us peace of mind; we have been living in uncertainty for years. With title deeds, we can finally invest in proper homes and services. We are hopeful that development will now follow roads, water, and better sanitation,” said Mbofana.
Zvimba East legislator, Kudakwashe Mananzva says the initiative will also enhance local infrastructure development by enabling residents to use their properties as collateral, stimulating micro-investment and community-driven improvement projects.
“The government will facilitate negotiations between the indigenous and other landowners and the beneficiaries, thereby allowing the residents to purchase the land directly over an agreed period of time. One such notable property is the 1065.7-hectare Whitecliff Farm in Harare, where 11 000 families are settled.
“The government and Eddie’s Pfugari Estate agreed on US$44 million as compensation for the land. Some of the benefits of adopting the User Pay Principle are as follows: beneficiaries are assured of security of tenure, as they will be issued with title deeds under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme. The issuance of title deeds will add value to the properties; beneficiaries will have access to basic services.
For residents, the announcement marks the end of nearly two decades of uncertainty over land ownership, following the post-2000 land reform resettlements and the subsequent expansion of urban housing schemes.
“This gives us peace of mind; we have been living in uncertainty for years. With title deeds, we can finally invest in proper homes and services. We are hopeful that development will now follow roads, water, and better sanitation,” a beneficiary noted.
The Presidential Title Deeds Programme is part of the Second Republic’s broader effort to regularise informal settlements and modernise urban housing, ensuring that every Zimbabwean enjoys access to secure and dignified shelter.
