Govt dismisses Hwange illegal land sales

Local
Parliament recently, Local Government and Public Works minister Daniel Garwe

THE Local Government and Public Works ministry has rubbished allegations that land barons from Harare are selling pieces of land at Monde Village in Hwange district, Matabeleland North province, using online platforms.

Dismissing the allegations in Parliament recently, Local Government and Public Works minister Daniel Garwe said it was not illegal land sales, but villagers giving land to relatives within the areas.

He said the government was aware of reports that villagers in Monde were selling land to individuals from other areas.

“To our understanding, the local authorities have not sanctioned these transactions. This issue has proven challenging, as villagers often claim to give parts of their land to relatives, which is not illegal,” he said.

Garwe said there has been collaboration with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to curb the illegal sale of land.

“To rectify this situation, the office of the district development co-ordinator has engaged the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct awareness campaigns,” he said.

“These initiatives aim to inform communities about the legalities surrounding land sales, the associated costs and the penalties for violation, thereby deterring potential offenders.”

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission have reportedly launched an investigation into the illegal parcelling out of land in Matabeleland North province by alleged members of the ruling Zanu PF party.

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