Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
MAKONI Rural District Council (MRDC) has announced that it will strictly enforce new regulations mandating that only registered architectural professionals may draft and submit building plans to the local authority, effective November 1, 2025.
The move, aimed at improving construction standards and enhancing safety compliance within the district, targets the curbing of substandard structures designed by unqualified individuals.
The regulation is drawn from the provisions of Statutory Instrument 56 of 2025, issued under the Architects Act [Chapter 27:01].
In a public notice, MRDC chief executive officer Engineer Edward Chidembo said the council will no longer accept plans from unregistered individuals or entities.
“From November 1, 2025, the council will not receive any building plans prepared by unregistered professionals. All submissions must be done by registered architects, technologists, technicians or interior architects in line with the new law,” Engineer Chidembo said.
He added that the Architects Council of Zimbabwe (ACZ) will carry out random compliance checks to ensure adherence with the statutory requirements.
“We urge residents and developers to verify the registration status of their building designers with either our offices or the ACZ before engaging their services,” he said.
