The Municipality of Marondera has stepped up its crackdown on illegal developments, warning property owners and developers that structures built without Council approval will not be regularised.
In a statement, yesterday, the local authority said all construction and other developments must have approved building plans, development permits and the required inspections before work begins.
“Council has the legal mandate to regulate planning and development within its jurisdiction under the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15] and the Regional Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12].
“As such no illegal structures would be regularised, including those constructed without approved plans and inspections or on unapproved land,” Council said.
The prohibition covers a wide range of developments, including houses, perimeter walls and building alterations undertaken without the necessary approvals.
Council also warned against construction on road reserves, wetlands, public open spaces and land designated for schools, clinics and other public amenities.
“Council wishes to advise all property owners and developers to obtain all necessary approvals from Council before commencing any development,” the notice said.
Those who proceed with construction without approval, Council warned, would do so at their own risk and could face enforcement action, including demolition.
The local authority said enforcement measures would be undertaken in accordance with its building by-laws, the National Human Settlement Policy, the Urban Councils Act, the Regional Town and Country Planning Act and other applicable planning and development control laws.
The council said the measures were aimed at promoting orderly urban development and ensuring that land is used in accordance with approved spatial plans.
“Council looks forward to the cooperation of all stakeholders in its quest to promote orderly development for a sustainable Marondera,” it said.
The warning comes as Government intensifies efforts to regularise urban housing developments and bring informal settlements into the formal planning framework.
Furthermore, the regularisation programme is aimed at providing secure tenure to qualifying beneficiaries while ensuring that future developments comply with approved spatial plans and planning regulations.
