Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
The Hwange Local Board has intensified its crackdown on illegal structures and unauthorised developments in commercial and residential areas to promote urban renewal, improve the town’s appearance, and ensure compliance with planning regulations.
So far, the exercise has resulted in 92 notices issued to property owners and occupants with illegal structures, directing them to remove the offending developments in line with applicable laws.
The initiative is also aligned with the provisions of Statutory Instrument 170 of 2025, which addresses the beautification of open spaces and urban renewal.
Hwange Local Board Secretary Mr Ndumiso Mdlalose said the initiative was already underway before the latest directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
“It’s important to emphasise that Hwange Local Board commenced this initiative well before the latest directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works,” he said in a statement.
“Significant progress has been made in relocating informal traders to designated vending sites, while efforts are ongoing to provide them with appropriate and orderly trading spaces.”
Mr Mdlalose said two weeks ago, notices were issued to four business premises at Baobab Shopping Centre for constructing walls that encroached on the service lane.
Last week, a further 66 notices were issued to premises in Empumalanga Phases 1 and 2, where shacks and unauthorised permanent structures, including tuck-shops, had been erected without the necessary approvals.
“To date, a total of 92 notices have been issued to owners and occupants of properties with illegal structures, directing them to remove the offending developments. Failure to comply with these notices will leave Council with no option but to proceed with demolition in accordance with the applicable laws and procedures,” he warned.
Three illegal structures have already been demolished in Empumalanga as part of the enforcement exercise.
Mr Mdlalose also revealed that the local authority had identified an area to accommodate cottage industry operators, including those involved in welding, carpentry, shoe repairs and other related trades.
“This initiative is intended to provide these operators with suitable working spaces while promoting orderly business operations and safeguarding the integrity of public spaces,” he said.
He urged residents, property owners and businesses undertaking construction or development projects to submit their proposed and ongoing developments to the relevant council departments for inspection and approval, as required by planning legislation.
“Council is mandated to inspect construction and development activities in accordance with the Regional Town and Country Planning Act to ensure compliance with approved plans, planning standards and other relevant statutory requirements,” he said.
Residents and businesses have been urged to cooperate with the local authority by complying with planning regulations and removing unauthorised structures within the stipulated timeframes.
“These efforts are essential to creating clean, safe, orderly and aesthetically pleasing commercial and residential environments for the benefit of the entire community,” Mr Mdlalose said.
