By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – Chiredzi Town Council has resolved to repossess all undeveloped residential,
commercial, industrial and institutional stands that have remained idle for ten years or more
since allocation, in a move aimed at unlocking land for genuine developers amid persistent
housing pressure in the Lowveld town.
The council recently issued a public notice, signed by Acting Town Secretary Consider Kubiku,
notifying more than 250 commercial, industrial and residential stand owners of its intent to
repossess their properties. The decision stems from a resolution passed during the council’s 67th
Ordinary Full Council sitting (Resolution No. 67/3c(ii)/2026).
According to the notice, affected beneficiaries have twenty-one days from the date of publication
to approach the council, declare their intention to develop their stands, and clear any outstanding
dues related to stand purchases and other council bills. Beyond that, stand holders must have
building plans approved and begin construction – reaching at least slab level – within three
months of the notice’s publication.
“Notice is hereby given that Chiredzi Town Council, sitting in its 67th Ordinary Full Council
(Resolution No 67/3c/(ii)/2026) resolved to repossess all undeveloped residential, commercial,
industrial and institutional stands within its jurisdiction that have remained undeveloped for ten
years or more from the date of allocation. To avoid loss of allocated land, all affected
beneficiaries are hereby advised to approach council within twenty-one days from the date of
publication of this notice to declare their intention to develop and clear all outstanding dues
relating to stand purchase and other council bills,” reads part of the notice.
The council warned that failure to comply would result in automatic repossession, with
reclaimed stands reallocated to other beneficiaries on the council’s housing waiting list, in line
with its Housing Policy.
“Moreover, all beneficiaries must have their building plans approved and commence
development to at least slab level within three months from the date of publication of this notice.
Failure to comply will automatically result in the affected stands being repossessed and
reallocated to other deserving beneficiaries on the Council’s Housing waiting list in accordance
with Council’s Housing Policy,” reads the notice.
Chiredzi’s new Central Business District, whose stands were allocated more than 12 years ago,
remains largely underdeveloped and has become a hotspot for robberies targeting passersby, as
trees and grass have overgrown vacant plots. In a recent incident, a child’s body was dumped in
the same area after her transporter allegedly killed her.
The move follows a familiar pattern among Zimbabwean urban local authorities, where
speculative landholding – beneficiaries sitting on serviced or semi-serviced stands without
developing them – has long been blamed for artificial land shortages, even as waiting lists grow.
The council has indicated that a full list of affected stands will be published, and has directed
inquiries to its Housing and Community Services Department at the Chitsanga Sub-Offices.
