Mwenezi Rural District Council (RDC) has issued a blanket enforcement order directing occupiers of selected SME workspaces across several growth points and business centres in the district to cease operations and remove unauthorised developments.
The order, issued under Section 32 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12], covers Rutenga, Lundi, Maranda, Murawi, Turn-Off, Muzamanjire, Neshuro, Matibi and Pambe.
According to the notice signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Mwenezi Rural District Council, Albert Chivanga, the developments in the affected areas have been carried out in contravention of the law through the erection and operation of buildings and structures without the required development permits.
“It appears to the Mwenezi Rural District Council that development in the above areas is being carried out in contravention of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act through erection and operation of structures or buildings without development permits,” said the authority.
“This order will come into operation on 29 July 2026, unless, in terms of Section 38 of the Act, an appeal is lodged within one month from the date this order is served, whereupon the operation of this order shall be suspended until such time as the appeal is finally determined or is withdrawn. Whether or not an appeal is lodged against this enforcement order by any person, Mwenezi Rural District Council may, in terms of Section 34 of the Act, at any time before it comes into operation, serve a Prohibition Order, prohibiting the continuation of the operation specified in this enforcement order,” said the authority.
The notice also warned that the order would remain applicable to any subsequent developments on the affected land, and that non-compliance could attract penalties, including the restoration of the land at the owner’s expense.
