Title Deeds on the Horizon for Southlea Park Residents

In recent months, there’s been a buzz of activity in Southlea Park, a sprawling residential area in Harare South. Residents have been lining up, documents in hand, to register their details with local authorities. The reason? The promise of finally obtaining title deeds for their properties.

According to recent reports from The Herald, about 6,700 out of 9,000 residential stand owners in Southlea Park have had their details submitted to the Surveyor-General’s office. This is a crucial step towards obtaining dispensation certificates, which are necessary precursors to the coveted title deeds under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme.

The Government's Plan

The government has set itself a target of issuing 1.5 million title deeds across the country by the end of this year. It’s all part of a grand plan to regularize informal settlements and improve housing provision, in line with Zimbabwe’s vision of achieving upper middle-income status by 2030.

But what’s all the fuss about title deeds? Well, these seemingly mundane documents are actually quite powerful. They’re official proof of property ownership, and they come with a host of benefits. Homeowners with title deeds have security of tenure, meaning they can’t easily be evicted from their homes. They can use their property as collateral for loans, potentially opening up new financial opportunities. Title deeds can also increase property values and make it easier to sell or transfer ownership of a property.

Transforming Southlea Park

For areas like Southlea Park, which have long existed in a kind of legal limbo, the issuance of title deeds could be transformative. Local officials have expressed excitement about the development, saying it could make housing projects in the area more attractive to investors and financial institutions.

The Role of the Order Housing Consortium

The Order Housing Consortium, which comprises 56 companies from both public and private sectors and administers the Southlea Park settlement, has been working overtime to mobilise residents. They’ve been urging people to come forward, register their details, and update any outdated information.

As Mrs. Lina Madzinga, the consortium secretary, explained, they’re dealing with all sorts of situations. Some people initially registered their children who are now adults. Others have sadly passed away, while some have divorced or moved to different areas. It’s a complex process, but one that’s necessary to ensure everyone eligible gets their chance at a title deed.

Beyond Paperwork: Infrastructure Development

But it’s not just about paperwork. The consortium is also working with consulting engineers to finalise master plans and designs for water and sewer reticulation. They’re ensuring compliance with Environmental Management Agency requirements too. It’s a holistic approach to development that goes beyond just issuing title deeds.

Part of a Larger Initiative

The Southlea Park project is part of a larger initiative that includes other areas such as Epworth, Chitungwiza, Gimboki in Mutare, and Cowdray Park in Bulawayo. The programme also aims to benefit long-standing municipality tenants and even rural business growth points.

However, it’s important to note that the road to title deeds isn’t always smooth. The government has made it clear that they won’t be issuing title deeds for unserviced stands. This means that proper infrastructure - roads, water supply, and sewage systems - needs to be in place before title deeds can be issued.

This stance has led to some confusion and disappointment, particularly in areas where residents were previously promised title deeds without such conditions. In Epworth, for instance, there was much fanfare last year when President Mnangagwa handed out what were described as “securitised title deeds” to selected residents. However, recent statements from the government suggest that these may have actually been “deeds of grant” rather than full title deeds.

The Distinction Between Title Deeds and Deeds of Grant

The distinction is important. A deed of grant is issued when key infrastructure development has been completed, but it’s not quite the same as a full title deed. The State can include conditions in a deed of grant, such as specifying land use, which isn’t typically the case with standard title deeds.

This situation highlights the complexities involved in the title deed issuance process. It’s about ensuring sustainable development and proper urban planning.

Despite some challenges, the mood in Southlea Park remains cautiously optimistic. Residents are hopeful that this time, the promise of a full title deeds will become a reality. They understand it’s a process that takes time, but many feel that after years of uncertainty, they’re finally on the path to full property ownership.

Implications for Homebuyers and Investors

For potential homebuyers and investors, the ongoing title deed programme presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, areas like Southlea Park could become more attractive as they gain formal recognition and potentially see improvements in infrastructure. On the other hand, the uncertainties around the process and the requirements for servicing mean that due diligence is more important than ever.

As Zimbabwe continues its efforts to regularize informal settlements and improve housing provision, the situation in Southlea Park serves as a microcosm of the broader opportunities in the country’s real estate sector. It’s a complex process, but one that could potentially transform the lives of thousands of homeowners and reshape the urban landscape of Harare and beyond.