Harare, (New Ziana) In a decisive move aimed at restoring order and safeguarding residential communities from the unchecked spread of disruptive land uses, the Government of Zimbabwe has announced a 90-day moratorium on all applications for changes in land use and reservation.
In a statement, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel garwe said the moratorium, which took effect on May 2, 2025, is part of broader efforts to ensure sustainable urban and rural development in line with the country’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works administers the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12) on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The government’s decision follows growing public concern and a surge in complaints regarding obtrusive land uses in residential areas, which have increasingly undermined the quality of life for many citizens.
Concerned with the proliferation of obtrusive land uses in residential areas; acknowledging the increase in public complaints against such, and in the quest for ensuring the achievement of upper middle income economy society by 2030, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works hereby issues this moratorium, which becomes effective immediately and shall run for ninety (90) days from the date of pronouncement, that is the 2nd of May 2025,” he said.
He said the moratorium is a necessary intervention to bring order and harmony to the built environment,” said the Minister. “It allows us to pause, reflect, and put systems in place that will ensure proper land use planning and community development moving forward.
During the 90-day period, no local authority is permitted to receive, acknowledge, process, or approve any applications relating to change of use and special consent under Section 26(3), regularization applications under Section 27, subdivision and consolidation of land under Section 40(3) as well as change of reservation under Sections 49(3) and (4).
In addition to halting permit processing, all local authorities have been instructed to take proactive measures to strengthen their development control functions which include enhancing staffing and equipping development control units, improving public consultation channels, including the use of billboards, social media, local media, and council websites, timely enforcement of legal provisions and municipal by-laws and rigorous monitoring and enforcement of permit conditions.
The government emphasized that this temporary suspension is not merely a halt in operations but a strategic measure designed to ensure the long-term integrity of urban and rural planning frameworks.
As Zimbabwe charts its path toward inclusive and sustainable development, the moratorium underscores the government’s commitment to responsible governance, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Local authorities and stakeholders are urged to fully cooperate during this period and to use the time to address systemic challenges in urban planning and land administration.
New Ziana
