Government moves to clamp down on land barons, illegal settlements

Theseus Mauruki Shambare

GOVERNMENT is regularising and upgrading illegal settlements across urban and peri-urban areas as part of a national programme aimed at restoring order, improving infrastructure and providing serviced housing to thousands of residents affected by unplanned urban growth.

The programme targets settlements that emerged through illegal land allocations and land baron activities, which authorities say have undermined urban planning and left communities without basic services.

In an interview, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said Government maintains a zero-tolerance stance on illegal settlements while ensuring affected communities are progressively integrated into formal urban systems.

He said the focus is on transforming dysfunctional settlements into fully serviced communities with roads, water, sewer systems, electricity, schools and health facilities.

“Government has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance stance against illegal settlements and the activities of land barons,” he said.

Minister Garwe said Cabinet had approved the User Pay Principle in October 2025, allowing beneficiaries in some settlements to contribute towards infrastructure development required for regularisation.

He said the model is designed to accelerate service delivery while promoting shared responsibility in urban development.

Government is also working on a framework with the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities to strengthen local authority capacity in land administration, planning and enforcement.

The reforms are aimed at ensuring future urban growth is orderly, sustainable and aligned with national development plans.

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