By Correspondent
Over 5000 illegal stands are set to be regularised by Council in a move that will cover 24 illegal settlements.
This was revealed by council Committee Chairperson on Housing Blessing Duma.
“Council is set to regularize 5066 stands in 24 illegal settlements with beneficiaries now required to undertake necessary servicing process after surveying the areas in terms of Council procedures.
“Layout plans for six settlements have since been approved by the Ministry of Local Government as required by the law.
However, for people to benefit there is a need to pay certain charges to the council.
These include appropriate regularization application fees, intrinsic land value and illegal building penalties.
However, settlers also have to pay council property tax accrued since the illegal occupation of the land
The Environmental Committee and Housing and Community Services Committee will meet again next week to regularize more settlements.
However, illegal settlements in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, heritage sites, and school areas will not be regularized.
Settlements to be regularized in the first phase include Herbert Chitepo, Near Kuwadzana Extension, Crowborough North Consortium and other settlements in Highfield.
Others are in Westwood, Westlea, Warren Park Hatcliff (UZ), Mufakose, Marlborough, Waterfalls and Chadcombe.