Cowdray Park Residents Receive First Batch of Title Deeds Under Presidential Scheme

More than 500 Cowdray Park residents in Bulawayo have received title deeds under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme (image source)

BULAWAYO – More than 500 residents of Cowdray Park in Bulawayo have received title deeds to their homes under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme, marking a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s push to formalize urban settlements and empower homeowners.

The handover ceremony, held on 25 October, was presided over by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube, who said the initiative will provide security of tenure, unlock property value, and promote investment in housing infrastructure. “This is a transformative moment for Cowdray Park,” said Ncube. “Title deeds give residents dignity, legal protection, and access to credit.”

Cowdray Park is one of Zimbabwe’s largest high-density suburbs, with over 15,000 households, many of which have lived without formal ownership for decades. The Presidential scheme aims to regularize such settlements by issuing title deeds to qualifying residents.

The programme is part of the Second Republic’s urban renewal agenda, which includes upgrading roads, water systems, and sanitation in underserved communities. Officials say the title deeds will also help local authorities improve revenue collection through formal property rates. “We can now plan better and deliver services more efficiently,” said Bulawayo City Council spokesperson Nesisa Mpofu.

Beneficiaries expressed joy and relief, saying the title deeds end years of uncertainty and open doors to financial inclusion. “I can finally use my house as collateral to start a business,” said resident Thulani Moyo. “This changes everything.” The government has pledged to extend the programme to other suburbs, including Epworth, Caledonia, and Hopley in Harare. The Ministry of National Housing is working with the Deeds Office and local councils to digitize land records and streamline verification processes.

However, housing experts warn that the rollout must be transparent and inclusive. Past land regularization efforts have been marred by corruption and political favoritism. “We need clear criteria and community oversight,” said housing analyst Tendai Mataranyika. “Otherwise, the programme risks losing credibility.”

The Presidential Title Deeds Programme is expected to issue over 1 million deeds nationwide by 2030, in line with the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy.