Harare, (New Ziana) -The Chikomba Rural District Council in Mashonaland East has launched a major crackdown on illegal land development, ordering occupants and developers in several parts of the district to stop construction activities, demolish unauthorized structures and restore affected land to its original state.
The enforcement action, issued under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, 1996, targets illegal land allocations, building construction, road openings, stand pegging and other forms of land development being undertaken without approved layouts, development permits or council approval.
Areas covered by the enforcement order include Nharira Rural Service Centre and its environs, Save Communal Area, Sadza Growth Point and surrounding areas particularly Dongo and Dabwa villages, Masasa Rural Service Centre, Chambara Business Centre, Mupatsi Business Centre, Magamba Housing Scheme in Chivhu Town, as well as wards 5, 6, 10, 15, 16, 18, 24, 25 and 26 of Chikomba District.
According to the council notice, all illegal occupants and persons undertaking unauthorized developments should stop construction works, demolish structures on the ground and restore the land to its original state. They should cease unauthorized land allocations and use, remove materials from affected sites and vacate the land within seven days of the order.
The council further warned against any further subdivision or occupation of the affected land, signaling a tougher approach towards developments that bypass statutory planning procedures.
The group enforcement order is scheduled to come into operation on September 25 this year, unless an appeal is lodged within one month of the order being served. The notice states that the order may remain suspended where a valid appeal is pending until the appeal is determined or withdrawn.
In a separate Prohibition Order issued under Section 34 of the same Act, the council ordered those affected to demolish illegal structures, restore the land and vacate the sites within seven days. The order was served on illegal occupants and developers on August 21 this year.
The council warned that failure to comply could result in enforcement action, with the costs associated with restoring the land potentially being recovered from the owners.
The latest action underscores the council’s efforts to bring land development in Chikomba under proper planning and regulatory control, while curbing unplanned settlements and developments that could undermine orderly urban and rural growth.
New Ziana
