Many houses in high density areas like Mabvuku, Chizhanje, Tafara, Mbare, Highfield, Mufakose and Dzivarasekwa are owned by the council and have been occupied by the same residents for more than 25 years.
According to HRT, the Ownership Scheme would allow tenants to buy a house over a period of time, with an agreement being made between the buyer and the local authority. Tenants would either make part payment to the council or purchase the house through a rent-to-buy model.
“HRT notes an increasing number of households across
Harare that have not obtained title deeds to their properties, yet residents
have been occupants for periods in excess of 25 years.
This is grossly unfair considering that the residents have
been paying
rates to the council for years,” said Onismo Mushonga, HRT Residents
Council Chairperson.
Council spokesperson, Leslie Gwindi, told The Zimbabwean that
the houses would remain council property to accommodate other
generations.
“It does not make sense for the council to sell the houses because we
have many generations that will occupy those houses in future. The
current tenants are even struggling to pay council rates so how will
they be able to buy the houses?” said Gwindi.
Post published in: News