AT LEAST 500 Hwange residents in Matabeleland North risk having their stands repossessed over outstanding balance payments, the Hwange Local Board (HLB) warned.
The HLB urged property owners in Don Bosco and Baobab Extension low-density areas to verify the status of their residential stands before they are repossessed.
The exercise, which targets over 500 properties in these areas, will extend to other zones under the HLB jurisdiction.
Acting town secretary Paulos Mabhureni announced the directive after the HLB raised concerns over unpaid balances for land value and servicing costs, some overdue for more than five years.
According to Mabhureni, property owners have until February 19, 2025 to clear their outstanding balances, with notices published in local media and a public announcement issued on January 12, 2025.
“Failure to meet this deadline will result in repossession procedures for stand owners, who do not respond or clear their dues,” he said.
Mabhureni said the council would also target abandoned, derelict, and deserted stands for repossession.
The council oversees more than 10 000 properties within its jurisdiction, with the current exercise focused on addressing long-standing noncompliance in Don Bosco and Baobab Extension.
- Police probe BCC stands deals
- Man loses car while chatting with girlfriend
- MPs jostle for US$40k housing loan
- Zvishavane avails housing stands
Keep Reading
“We urge all affected property owners to take action promptly to avoid repossession and ensure compliance with all relevant requirements,” Mabhureni said.
“As the deadline approaches, property owners are encouraged to verify their accounts with the council and settle any arrears to maintain their property rights and avoid losing their investments.”
The verification process comes as the council grapples with significant financial challenges.
As of November 30, 2024, the Hwange Local Board was owed over US$4 million in unpaid rates, hindering essential service delivery and infrastructural development in the local authority.
Mabhureni, however, noted progress in enforcing compliance with development regulations, noting that 30 of 46 illegal structures identified in a planning exercise two years ago had been voluntarily demolished by their owners.
The council expressed satisfaction with the compliance rate, which aligns with its development control policy.
In another development, the council’s valuation roll for residential and non-residential properties was approved and certified by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in December 2024.
This roll, effective from January 1, 2025, serves as the basis for property rating in accordance with the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).
The HLB has been operating without a valuation roll for years.
Valuation rolls are lists of properties situated within the boundaries of a given local authority compiled for the purposes of billing and taxation.
The Urban Councils Act Chapter 29:15 provides for the creation of valuation offices by councils.
Under the Urban Councils Act, all properties are rateable unless an application is made and approved by the council.
