THERE is an outcry after farmers in Mashonaland Central were directed to pay over US$700 in land survey fees for title deeds as part of the controversial government land tenure programme.
This is on top of the US$500 per hectare levy that farmers with an offer letter, permit or lease for agricultural purposes have to pay under the land tenure system.
The new land tenure programme will see the issuance of title deeds in place of 99-year leases and offer letters previously issued to land owners.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the introduction of the Land Tenure Implementation Programme through a Cabinet sitting in October 2024.
Tycoon and Zanu PF central committee member, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, is the chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee.
In a letter addressed to farmers in Mashonaland Central, Bindura Farmers Association chairperson Rodwell Choto advised members that they must pay US$735 in land survey fees.
“Many of us were called to the Lands Office to fill in the necessary forms for this process,” Choto said in the letter dated January 16.
“However, a large number of farmers could not proceed due to lack of land surveys, which is a critical first step.
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“In response, your association engaged a private surveyor, who has agreed to assist our farmers with surveys, as the Surveyor General’s office is currently overwhelmed.”
He said the private surveyor would liaise with the Surveyor General.
“This engagement took place, and an agreement was reached. The necessary forms for survey applications have now been issued,” he said.
“The government-approved fee remains US$735 per unit or subdivision, regardless of land size. Every farmer or plot holder must pay this fee individually.
“Understanding that this is a financially demanding time, the association negotiated with the surveyor to accept deposits from farmers facing challenges, and allow payment arrangements.”
Choto yesterday confirmed the authenticity of his letter when contacted for comment.
He said the land surveys were not for free, and fees were set by the government. Political Analyst Jealous Mawarire said the US$735 land survey fees were a scam.
“On whose behalf is this organisation (Bindura Farmer's Association) collecting money from land owners? Which law empowers them to do what they are doing?,” he asked.
“This is illegal and if it is allowed to be replicated throughout the country, the 238 858 beneficiaries of the land reform will be fleeced of more than US$175 million just for this so-called land survey.”
Mawarire said the State must shoulder the financial burden of surveying the land as custodians of the same.
“Section 72 (4) (b) is clear that "all agricultural land continues to be vested in the state" so the state, the owner of the land, should be the one paying survey fees, not those it intends to sell the land to,” he said.
“This is a clear scam, just like the Land Tenure Implementation Committee is doing with purported title deeds, scamming beneficiaries of the land reform to raise funds for the illegal and unconstitutional 2030 agenda.”
The 2030 agenda refers to a Zanu PF resolution to extend Mnangagwa’s term by two more years when it constitutionally expires in 2028.
