Staff Reporter

Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, has announced a moratorium on the allocation of Urban State Land effective immediately.

In a press statement, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, John Bhasera highlighted the finite nature of Urban State Land, underscoring its importance to the nation's future.

"In the interest of the public, the Government of Zimbabwe wishes to advise the nation of measures being put in place to enhance the administration and management of Urban State Land.

It is therefore imperative that an efficient and transparent system is put in place to ensure that Urban State Land plays a role in facilitating sustainable and functional developments," Bhasera added.

The moratorium is part of a broader effort by the Ministry to finalize ongoing reviews and strengthen the policies and procedures governing land allocation.

“This review process is expected to address several critical issues, including the prevention of land corruption, the assurance of equitable land distribution, and the promotion of orderly urban development,” Bhasera noted

Permanent Secretary Bhasera concluded his statement by reiterating the Ministry's commitment to improving the management of Urban State Land and ensuring that future allocations contribute to the nation's development goals.

"This moratorium will help us build a more robust framework for land administration, ensuring that our urban areas develop in a sustainable and orderly manner," Bhasera emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Ministry's decision has been met with mixed reactions from stakeholders. Some urban planners and development experts have welcomed the move, viewing it as a necessary step towards more transparent and equitable land management.

"This moratorium is a positive development. It will allow the Government to clean up the system and ensure that future allocations are done transparently and fairly," commented urban planning expert Dr. Tendai Moyo.

Conversely, there are concerns among those awaiting land allocations for development projects, as the moratorium might delay their plans. However, the Ministry assured that this temporary measure is essential for long-term benefits and urged the public and stakeholders to exercise patience.