Unlocking land for economic development
LAND is the most valuable asset in any settlement, be it urban or rural.
According to the United Nations estimate, over three billion people will be living in cities by the Year 2050; meaning that in the near future, the impact cities will have on regional and national development will become the primary factor.
As cities continue to grow, their economies, social conditions and environmental concerns scale along. Well planned cities will, therefore, become Zimbabwe’s economic driving forces, while urban settlements that lack proper planning will be highly detrimental for national growth.
Areas that are developed with proper planning and consider modern techniques are more valuable and offer higher returns on investment. The investors are keen to invest in areas where all the merits of town planning are met.
As opportunities for work and education continue improving, urban settlements are rapidly drawing in more and more people. For this reason, urban settlements growth is unavoidable, yet predictable; making plans for future expansions a necessity.
For cities to be productive and liveable places, urban land needs to be used efficiently and intensively. Well-functioning cities typically cluster firms and people together around productive central business districts and manufacturing centres that form the city’s employment engine.
By contrast, many urban settlements in Zimbabwe are failing to use their land efficiently. Instead, they are growing outwards through sprawling self-built informal settlements like Gimboki, Federations and Mahalape settlements in Mutare.
Cabinet this week announced that people will not be allowed to occupy houses in residential suburbs which are not fully serviced. The move by Government follows the sprouting of illegal settlements and business operations across the country.
In some cases, innocent citizens were left counting their losses after being ripped-off by land barons, while some houses were demolished to bring order in all settlements.
Government’s move is highly commendable as this will bring order and sanity in urban settlements.
All local authorities should bear in mind that as urban settlements continue growing, so do their challenges and complexities. This can only be addressed through urban planning and keeping all land barons under check.
Free-for-all situations when individuals parcel out land to desperate home-seekers like what was witnessed late last year in Gimboki area of Dangamvura should be nipped in the bud.
We want to see a great deal of forward-thinking and thorough planning on the part of local authorities, especially Mutare City Council, in addressing housing challenges in the city.
It should be noted that the growth of cities and towns should happen in accordance with specific objectives that Central Government define, with local authorities playing a significant role in it.
Urban settlements rely on planning to remain functional, grow in population, and attract business. Every crucial aspect of an urban environment is under the effect of how its layout is planned. This includes key infrastructure, and the city area layout and density.
Globally, highly developed urban settlements contribute to the economic health and productivity of the society. On the other hand, poor urban planning can bring on opposite harmful effects like constant heavy traffic, insufficient infrastructure and inadequate housing options.
Such areas can also be exposed to a number of natural hazards like fires and floods.
The way our urban settlements grow undoubtedly has a massive impact on the economy, ecology and quality of people’s lives.
With a thoroughly planned layout, urban settlements can provide their residents with access to all essential services, points of interest and amenities.
At the same time, the unfavourable aspects of urban life are reduced to an overall healthier lifestyle and improved quality of life.
It is our fervent hope that all local authorities will learn from their previous mistakes and ensure that our cities and towns are properly planned for the economic growth of the country.