News / National
Mugabe approves Rusape town expansion
13 Sep 2013 at 07:24hrs | Views
PRESIDENT Mugabe has approved the incorporation of Tsanzaguru and several surrounding farms into Rusape Town Council - in a positive development that will see the urban council possessing more land for expansion.
Like many towns in Zimbabwe which began as agricultural communities, Rusape is bordered by farms and has nowhere to expand except onto farmland.
The Presidential proclamation order was made on July 22 and on August 7, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Mr Killian Mpingo advised the Provincial Administrator, Mr Fungai Mbetsa of the development.
"We are pleased to advise that His Excellency, the President has assented to the application by Rusape Town Council and Makoni Rural District Council for the incorporation of Tsanzaguru Township and surrounding farms into Rusape Town Council," reads part of the letter.
The proclamation order reads: "Whereas by Section 4 (2) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29: 15), it is provided that whenever the President considers it desirable, he may, subject the said Act, by proclamation in the Gazette, after any local authority concerned has been consulted, alter wards of the council area by adding any area thereto and additionally or alternatively subtract any area therefrom.
"And whereas I consider it desirable to alter the Wards of Rusape Town Council area and redefine the area of the said council and whereas the Rusape Town Council has been consulted, now therefore, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the President, as aforesaid, I do hereby:
(a) Alter the wards of Rusape Town Council area so that they accord with those as indicated on Ward/Block Map 1 of 2012 (herein after called "the plan" which may be inspected free of charge at the offices of the Secretary of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Makombe Building and the Chief Executive Officer of Rusape Town Council.
(b) Amend proclamation 6 of 1999 published in Statutory Instrument 71 of 1999 by repeal of the first and second schedules and subtraction of the following," reads part of it.
Rusape Town Council chief executive officer, Mr Joshua Maligwa, welcomed the development.
He said the farms that were annexed to his local authority include Zimati Kop owned by Mr Norman Sachikonye.
The farm was last year invaded by thousands of home-seekers who were against moves by Mr Sachikonye to turn the 1 115-hectare land into a plush suburb charging $24 000 per plot.
The farm is a kilometre from Wedza Turn-off towards Mutare.
The other farms that were also affected include Rockingstone owned by Arda board chairman and businessman, Mr Basil Nyabadza.
Zuwarabuda Farm, Greywell and the rest of the portion between Tsanzaguru and Rusape was also affected.
Like many towns in Zimbabwe which began as agricultural communities, Rusape is bordered by farms and has nowhere to expand except onto farmland.
The Presidential proclamation order was made on July 22 and on August 7, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Mr Killian Mpingo advised the Provincial Administrator, Mr Fungai Mbetsa of the development.
"We are pleased to advise that His Excellency, the President has assented to the application by Rusape Town Council and Makoni Rural District Council for the incorporation of Tsanzaguru Township and surrounding farms into Rusape Town Council," reads part of the letter.
The proclamation order reads: "Whereas by Section 4 (2) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29: 15), it is provided that whenever the President considers it desirable, he may, subject the said Act, by proclamation in the Gazette, after any local authority concerned has been consulted, alter wards of the council area by adding any area thereto and additionally or alternatively subtract any area therefrom.
"And whereas I consider it desirable to alter the Wards of Rusape Town Council area and redefine the area of the said council and whereas the Rusape Town Council has been consulted, now therefore, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the President, as aforesaid, I do hereby:
(a) Alter the wards of Rusape Town Council area so that they accord with those as indicated on Ward/Block Map 1 of 2012 (herein after called "the plan" which may be inspected free of charge at the offices of the Secretary of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Makombe Building and the Chief Executive Officer of Rusape Town Council.
(b) Amend proclamation 6 of 1999 published in Statutory Instrument 71 of 1999 by repeal of the first and second schedules and subtraction of the following," reads part of it.
Rusape Town Council chief executive officer, Mr Joshua Maligwa, welcomed the development.
He said the farms that were annexed to his local authority include Zimati Kop owned by Mr Norman Sachikonye.
The farm was last year invaded by thousands of home-seekers who were against moves by Mr Sachikonye to turn the 1 115-hectare land into a plush suburb charging $24 000 per plot.
The farm is a kilometre from Wedza Turn-off towards Mutare.
The other farms that were also affected include Rockingstone owned by Arda board chairman and businessman, Mr Basil Nyabadza.
Zuwarabuda Farm, Greywell and the rest of the portion between Tsanzaguru and Rusape was also affected.
Source - Manicapost
