Online Reporter
Tanaka Nkala, Online Reporter
The City of Bulawayo has issued a stern warning over the rapid rise in illegal structures being erected on private properties, roads, road servitudes and council land, in violation of legislative frameworks, municipal by-laws and policies.
In a public notice issued on Sunday, the city’s Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said the local authority had noted with concern the proliferation of illegal structures on private land, commercial centres, roads, road reserves, stream banks and council land. Of particular concern are houses being developed on open spaces in Cowdray Park.
“Illegal residential developments have been noted behind stands 23418 – 23430 Cowdray Park and the developers of these houses are advised to cease all operations and there should be no further developments thereon,” said the Town Clerk.
The City directed that all unlawful structures be removed without delay.
“Members of the public and other stakeholders are therefore advised that all such illegal structures should be removed or demolished with immediate effect by individuals or organisations responsible,” said the Town Clerk.
Residents and prospective buyers were also warned against purchasing land in the affected areas.
“Members of the public are also advised that anyone who buys these pieces of land on the said portion and other illegal areas are doing so at their own risks as these will be demolished as they are in ecologically sensitive areas.”
The local authority emphasised that enforcement action would be guided by the law. It said the City of Bulawayo, in terms of Sections 24, 35 and 37 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12); Sections 46, 47 and 48 of the Roads Act (Chapter 13:18); Section 6 of the Model Building By-Laws (1977); and Sections 11 and 12 of the Bulawayo (Protection of Lands and Natural Resources) By-Laws, 1975, will exercise its mandate to ensure compliance through these legislative frameworks.
Authorities warned of consequences for non-compliance, stating that any persons or organisations who fail to comply with this notice with immediate effect will be liable to face legal action, and the municipality will remove illegal structures at the cost of offenders.
The City of Bulawayo reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing planning regulations and protecting public and environmentally sensitive land from unlawful development.
