Mangwe Rural District Council has warned property owners across business centres, rural service centres and growth points in its jurisdiction that it will repossess undeveloped stands and take legal action against defaulters with outstanding lease payments.
The local authority said the exercise would target stands that have remained undeveloped for more than two years after allocation, stalled construction projects exceeding two years, and fully developed properties whose owners have failed to pay council fees or ground rent for more than two years.
In a public notice, the council said the move was aimed at enforcing orderly development and ensuring compliance with planning laws, its housing policy and lease agreements.
“Council will commence repossession proceedings and/or legal action against stands/plots that are not developed with basic and development conditions,” the council said.
Mangwe RDC stated that it was mandated under the Regional Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12] and its housing policy to ensure that allocated land was developed and used in accordance with approved conditions.
The council urged affected property owners with genuine reasons for failing to develop their properties or settle arrears to approach the local authority before losing their stands.
“All affected individuals are encouraged to submit their arrears and written justification to the council, stating reasons why their property should be excluded from this exercise,” the council said, adding that submissions must be made within 30 days from the date of the notice.
The repossession threat comes as local authorities across Zimbabwe face growing pressure to ensure scarce residential, commercial and industrial land is put to productive use rather than being held for speculative purposes.
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Mangwe RDC said property owners seeking clarification should approach its spatial planning and land management department during normal working hours.
