The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
CHIPINGE Town Council has given residents with undeveloped stands a 30-day ultimatum to develop them.
Failure to do so will result in their repossession.
In a notice published in the Press last week, the council said it will repossess all undeveloped stands before August 30 this year.
A total of 84 residential stands, mostly in Gaza high-density suburb, were listed in the notice.
The Manica Post witnessed as scores of people thronged the town house to regularise their papers early this week.
The town secretary, Dr Susan Malati-Dube, said council will proceed to allocate the repossessed stands to those on the waiting list.
The statement read in part: “Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 7.3 read with part B12 of Chipinge Town Council Housing Policy and Procedure Manual that council has resolved (Resolution ref HEHC07/07/20 dated 30 July 2020) to give 30 days’ notice of intention to repossess undeveloped stands located in Gaza Township.
“Anyone who wishes to object the proposed repossession must write to the local authority not later than 31 August 2020 giving reasons for such objection and attach supporting documents such as proof of funding, offer letter and lease agreement.”
The development attracted mixed reactions from members of the community.
Mr John Musikiri said the move is welcome as serious home seekers will get a chance to own residential properties.
“The council should allocate land to people who are serious and are capable of developing it.
“Some people buy residential stands for speculation purposes, yet we have deserving people who have been on the waiting list for a long time.
“The move will also change the face of the town,” he said.
Chipinge Town Community Association (CTCA) chairman, Mr Lincoln Mwaimbodei said the repossession of stands should not go ahead before a thorough audit.
“There are land barons in the system and therefore an audit is required.
“We need to know if the people who failed to develop the stands got them through the proper channels,” he said.
