Cowdray Park residents clamour for title deeds

Residents of Cowdray Park ward 15 in Bulawayo have appealed to the government to fast-track the issuance of title deeds under the Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deed Programme, following the recent distribution of 200 offer letters to homeowners under the Cowdray Park Hlalani Kuhle/Garikai housing project. The initiative aims to resolve long-standing land tenure challenges in the area.

Ward 15 councillor Ashton Mhlanga said approximately 15,000 households are still awaiting their title deeds and expressed concern over the financial burden the scheme places on residents. "For one to get a title deed, they are supposed to fork out not less than US$5,000 depending on the size of the stand. This is a lot of money, as most of the residents are either pensioners or self-employed," Mhlanga said, noting that the payment is expected to be spread over five years to fund the servicing of the stands.

He explained that the offer letters issued by the government function as contract forms to be signed between residents and the trust administering the programme. Residents must agree to pay the amount over five years. Mhlanga highlighted that authorities have requested the consortium managing the project to provide a detailed bill of quantities to justify the US$5,000 fee, which many residents view as excessive. "We told them to quantify the material to be used for the servicing of the stands because US$5,000 was a random figure and residents cannot afford to be made to pay US$100 per month over five years to cover the amount," he said.

The trust has also been tasked with coordinating with the Bulawayo City Council regarding residents who previously paid more than US$3,000 to the council before the government issued the offer letters.

The title deed programme, announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is designed to regularise settlements, transfer land titles, and administer payments through a dedicated trust. Under the partnership, the trust will handle issuance, payments, printing and distribution of documents, and set up Kwangu/Ngakwami-branded container offices, while the city council provides beneficiary information, supports awareness campaigns, and hosts the offices.

Authorities expect the programme to create a new revenue stream for the city, improve rate collection, and address infrastructure challenges by supporting town planning and the development of roads, sewer systems, and water infrastructure. Residents are urging swift implementation to ensure equitable access and alleviate financial strain on households.