Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT has lifted the 90-day moratorium that temporarily barred local authorities from processing and approving change of land-use applications, signalling a renewed commitment to coordinated urban planning.
The suspension, imposed last year across Harare and 91 other local authorities, was aimed at curbing unplanned developments and addressing challenges arising from undesirable urban growth.
Speaking at a Spatial Planning Interface in Harare on Monday, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, said the moratorium allowed for a comprehensive review of land management procedures nationwide.
“The temporary freeze on planning activities was necessary to assess current practices and introduce measures to ensure a structured approach to urban development. Local authorities are now expected to align with the revised guidelines to improve town planning and service delivery,” Minister Garwe said.
Local authorities attending the interface expressed readiness to implement the new framework, which prioritises the orderly management of urban growth and seeks to curb inappropriate developments.
Government has raised concerns over the proliferation of fuel stations and casinos in residential areas, as well as other unregulated developments that have affected service delivery and urban aesthetics. The new measures are intended to resolve long-standing legacy issues and ensure that land use aligns with national planning standards.
