Gweru backtracks on threat to sell houses

Gweru City Council has backtracked on its initial position to sell 204 council-owned houses on the open market, saying sitting tenants will now be given first priority to purchase the properties.

The properties, located in Mkoba, Senga and Mtapa high-density suburbs, form part of a Government home ownership scheme introduced in the early 1990s, under which tenants have long been expected to acquire ownership of their homes.

Council officials said the sale will only be extended to members of the public if current occupants decline to take up the offer.

"We are offering sitting tenants and when they fail to take up the offer, then we open it to the public," said the director of Housing and Community Services, Mr Joseph Zimusi.

He said the initiative has been ongoing for some time but progress has been slow, as many tenants have not finalised payments to secure ownership.

Mr Zimusi said the move is intended to support both revenue collection and urban renewal efforts, while also empowering tenants through the eventual issuance of title deeds.

"As a local authority, we want to increase our revenue collection and at the same time, the tenants will be empowered since they will now have title deeds," he said.

The council had initially faced resistance from residents who feared they could be displaced by outside buyers if the houses were placed on the open market.

Residents groups argue that some of the affected properties have been subject to long-standing disputes, including allegations of subletting and irregular occupation by individuals who were not formally allocated the houses.

Gweru Residents Forum executive director Charles Mazorodze said the issue remains sensitive and requires careful handling.

"The issue of these council houses is a bone of contention to many residents," he said, adding that some tenants claim they have already paid for ownership while others face uncertainty over their status.

Concerns have also been raised that the properties could end up being acquired by wealthier individuals or council insiders if safeguards are not put in place.

Acting chairperson of Gweru Residents Trust, Obvious Gonamombe, called for a balanced approach that considers both council revenue needs and the financial limitations of tenants, many of whom are pensioners.

He said a negotiated solution would be necessary to avoid displacement and ensure fair access to home ownership for eligible residents.