Councils banned from effecting land use changes 

Source: Councils banned from effecting land use changes – herald

Sunday Mail Reporter

THE Government has imposed a 90-day moratorium on all local authorities, barring them from processing or approving any applications related to change of land use or reservation, in a move aimed at curbing unplanned and incompatible developments in residential areas.

Change of land use refers to the process of altering the designated purpose of a piece of land, for example, converting a residential property into a commercial, industrial or institutional site such as a shop, church or clinic.

Change of reservation involves reassigning land initially set aside for public amenities like parks, roads or schools to a different use, often for private development.

Both processes are governed by the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, and normally require special consent or approval by planning authorities.

Announcing the freeze, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said the moratorium, effective May 2, 2025, comes in response to a surge in public complaints over the growing number of intrusive and unsuitable developments springing up in neighbourhoods originally zoned for residential purposes.“The effect of the moratorium is that no local authority is permitted to receive, acknowledge, process nor issue a permit on any application for change of use or reservation,” said Minister Garwe.

“In the interest of the public, the Government of Zimbabwe hereby wishes to advise the nation of measures being put in place to enhance the management of the built environment in our rural and urban areas by temporarily suspending the processing of such permits while reviews are conducted by relevant authorities.”

Minister Garwe said the temporary freeze was meant to allow for a comprehensive review of land use management procedures across the country and to give planning authorities time to strengthen their capacity to enforce regulations.

This, he said, was crucial to maintaining order and harmony in the built environment.

“The moratorium on processing of change of use and change of reservation applications that are made in terms of the Regional Town and Country Act specifically applies to: Change of use and special consent in terms of Section 26(3); Regularisation in terms of Section 27; Subdivisions and Consolidations in terms of Section 40(3); Change of reservation applications in terms of Section 49(3) and (4),” said Minister Garwe.

“All local authorities are directed within the period of the moratorium to strengthen their development control units through staffing and provision of requisite tools of trade; enhance public consultation mechanisms to make them more effective.

“This includes, but is not limited to the use of billboards, residents’ social media, local radio/television platforms and council websites; enforce relevant legal provisions, including by-laws timeously; strengthen, constantly review and strictly monitor compliance with conditions of various permits; develop plans for maintenance and beautification of buffers along roads and other public spaces.”

He said the Government will lift the moratorium early for councils that demonstrate full compliance with the requirements and submit comprehensive progress reports detailing their efforts to improve planning oversight.

“The minister shall uplift the moratorium for those local authorities that would have complied with the conditions above and provided proof of compliance by submitting a comprehensive report that speaks to fulfilment of the above conditions.”

In recent years, Zimbabwe’s urban and peri-urban areas have witnessed a sharp rise in unregulated developments, with land originally designated for residential use increasingly being converted into commercial or institutional spaces such as shops, churches, colleges and small factories.

This trend has sparked concern among residents and urban planners, who argue that such developments, often approved without proper consultation or in violation of zoning regulations, are disrupting the character of neighbourhoods, straining infrastructure and creating health and safety risks.

At the heart of the problem is the misuse or manipulation of provisions in the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, which allows for changes in land use or reservation through formal applications.

In many cases, local authorities have been accused of processing these applications inconsistently or without adequate oversight, leading to a proliferation of incompatible land uses, especially in high-density suburbs and fast-growing towns. There has been a public outcry over commercial activities in residential zones, sometimes with loud noise, increased traffic or uncollected waste.