Harare, (New Ziana) –The Zimbabwe government has lifted the 90 day temporary moratorium barring local authorities from receiving and processing changes of land use and property reservations.
On 2 May last year, the government introduced the conditional moratorium as part of efforts to improve compliance with urban planning regulations, promote accountability, and reinforce oversight across both urban and rural areas.
The measure also sought to tackle growing concerns related to unlawful land allocations, irregular land-use approvals, and the encroachment of public spaces by private developments.
In a notice addressed to mayors, chairpersons, chief executive officers, town clerks, secretaries, and the general public, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said the decision to withdraw the moratorium followed a thorough evaluation of local authorities.
“With this withdrawal of the Conditional Moratorium, Local Authorities are nolonger prohibited from exercising the above-quoted Local Planning Authority powers in respect of change of use and change of reservation which the moratorium had imposed.
“The decision to withdraw has been taken after careful appraisal and assessment, which generally show that local authorities have significantly improved their internal planning and development control capacity, including compliance with conditions stipulated therein,” he said.
He said the Ministry is satisfied with the progress made, noting that the measures implemented are sufficient to address the issues that led to the moratorium, while encouraging councils to continue strengthening their Spatial Planning Departments and enforce strict development control.
“Further, the Ministry, through its Inspectorate Department, shall ensure compliance with the array of measures that local authorities undertake to abide by to achieve the objectives of orderly and functional settlements,” he said.
Garwe also noted that local authorities had fulfilled several conditions set out under the moratorium, such as reinforcing development control units with adequate personnel and proper equipment, and improving public engagement through platforms like billboards, social media, radio, television, and council websites.
Additional requirements that were met include timely enforcement of legal provisions and by-laws, consistent monitoring of compliance with development permits, and the formulation and execution of plans aimed at maintaining and enhancing road servitudes and other public spaces.
New Ziana
