By Flata Kavinga
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube has warned that the era of illegal land barons who swindle unsuspecting home seekers out of their money is over, saying authorities will act decisively against those who violate housing and land development regulations.
Ncube made the remarks during a tour of the Mbizo 18 Residential Housing Project in Kwekwe, which he said reflects government’s commitment to orderly urban development under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).
“The era of land barons where unsuspecting home seekers were duped of their hard-earned cash is over,” Ncube said. “It is illegal to acquire land and start parcelling it out before putting in place basic infrastructure such as water, sewer systems and roads. Those found flouting these regulations will face the full wrath of the law.”
He said all housing developments must be guided by approved local authority master plans, warning that unplanned settlements compromise service delivery and expose residents to health and safety risks.
Ncube commended Kwekwe City Council for implementing the Mbizo 18 project, describing it as aligned to the NDS 2 Infrastructure Development and Housing pillar, which seeks to provide modern, inclusive and affordable housing.
He said the project also supports the constitutional right to shelter, particularly for low-income earners and other targeted groups.
The minister said government, through the devolution framework and partnerships with the private sector, was prioritising infrastructure development despite economic challenges, adding that housing projects played a key role in stimulating local economic growth.
He urged local authorities to strengthen service delivery in expanding residential areas, including refuse collection, water supply and sewer infrastructure, to match growing demand. While supporting revenue collection by councils, Ncube encouraged authorities to adopt flexible payment plans for residents struggling to pay rates, rather than resorting to property auctions.
Ncube also called on councils to uphold good corporate governance, transparency and accountability in the execution of their mandates.
He said his tour of the Mbizo 18 housing project, along with other developments in Kwekwe, demonstrated progress in planned urban development but stressed the need for strict adherence to regulations to protect residents and investors.
