THE Mutare City Council is grappling with a severe land shortage amid an ever increasing demand for stands from residents.
The council’s deputy director for housing Noel Mushangwe revealed the challenge at the Mutare City Council Client Satisfaction Survey workshop held in Mutare yesterday.
He said the council had exhausted its land reserves with only state land remaining.
“Private owners control the remaining land, which falls outside our jurisdiction. When you see stands being allocated somewhere, it belongs to private owners, who are subdividing the stands. Council only comes to service on that land,” Mushangwe said.
However, Mushangwe also assured residents that the council maintained transparency in land allocation, adhering to the Urban Councils Act.
“We follow the Urban Council's Act section 152 that clearly spells out what council should do in terms of parcelling out stands.
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“The council [councillors and management] sets conditions on how to sell, lease, donate and transfer the land. We then advertise twice in the national newspapers on the allocation of stands.
“We put notices on all council offices advertising the stands inviting all those interested to apply for those stands. Applicants will then get assessment forms and go through a transparent verification process.”
Meanwhile, the residents applauded the council on improved service delivery, noting consistent clean water supply, efficient refuse collection and the acquisition of utility vehicles and equipment.
“We are thrilled to see the positive changes in our community. The council's efforts to provide basic services have not gone unnoticed,” Alliya Marange said.
Peter Mufunde, another resident, echoed the same sentiments saying the council’s utility vehicles have greatly improved waste management in the city.
Mutare deputy mayor John Nyamhoka emphasised on the importance of collaborative engagement between the council and residents to enhance service delivery and foster effective communication.
“By working together, the council can better understand the needs and concerns of the community, ensuring that services are tailored to meet those needs,” he said.
“Effective communication is key to successful service delivery. When residents are involved in the decision-making process, they are more likely to feel invested in the outcomes and more willing to hold the council accountable.
“This accountability is crucial in ensuring that the council remains transparent and responsive to the community’s needs.”