CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU – Lands officers, who are mandated to oversee the distribution of land have been urged to shun corruption.
Speaking during a meeting with lands officers from across the country, Professor Obert Jiri, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development addressed the issue of corruption, which has been associated with land management.
He said transparency in land management would safeguard the land, which is a key ingredient in rapid agricultural development.
“Let us put closure of corruption so that we bring order to land management and focus on production and productivity,” he said.
Prof Jiri put emphasis on the need for adherence to the proper procedures of land management.
He said the ministry is in the process of establishing an advanced version of the Lands Information System (LIMS), which will enhance efficiency and transparency in managing the lands data base.
Prof Jiri also said the land reform programme is the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural success and therefore needs proper administration for continued prosperity.
“The land reform programme embarked on by the government is one of the major milestones achieved ever since the country attained its independence as it culminated in more blacks having access to land, which resulted in improved agricultural production and national food security,” Prof Jiri said.
Apart from lands officers, the public has also been found wanting in the illegal parceling out of land as recently two men appeared before Gweru Magistrate Beaulity Dube facing allegations of contravening Section 63 of the Land Commission Act Chapter 20:29.
Gideon Muputa (77) and Lovemore Hungwe were arrested for grabbing and parceling out land to desperate home seekers.
