Protect your land, Protect your future
ZVISHAVANE- Zimbabwe’s land corruption woes intensify, following a village head’s arrest in Kadoma for unauthorized sales. Amidst this crisis, traditional leaders sound the alarm on irresponsible land allocation, outlining essential guidelines for village heads to safeguard development and warning that illicit deals risk chasing away vital investments.
In an exclusive interview with AfroGazette News, Chief Mapanzure shared crucial guidelines for village heads to follow when allocating land to home seekers, emphasizing environmental protection in line with traditional law, with non-compliance would be considered an offense.
“Village heads and local leaders, follow land allocation procedures. Consult Mambo, review the master plan with Councillors for reserved lands like schools and hospitals, get committee approval and confirm with Agritex office if the land isn’t for grazing”
He adds “Non-compliance will result in suspension and penalties,”said Chief Mapanzure.
Chief Mapanzure warned village heads against illicit land sales, saying greed-driven deals may drive away major projects and investments, benefiting other areas.
“Village heads, safeguard your land for development. In Mapanzure, for instance, a 100-megawatt solar project with China Zim requiring 252 hectares would have been lost if land was limited,” he said.
Recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to traditional leaders, particularly village heads, against unlawful parcelling out of state – owned peri-urban land for residental development.
Section 282 of the Constitution says traditional leaders have a responsibility to manage communal lands and protect the environment.
