Online Reporter
Online Reporter
THE Government has raised concern over the growing number of structures being built in undesignated urban zones, warning that the proliferation of churches, fuel stations and residential properties in improperly allocated areas is undermining orderly urban planning and straining infrastructure.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said authorities were reviewing the situation amid increasing cases of developments constructed in wetlands and land reserved for other uses without proper approvals.
The rise in illegal land-use changes, he said, has created significant challenges for city planners, including congestion, environmental degradation, safety risks and pressure on already overstretched public services such as roads, water and sewer infrastructure.
Addressing the issue after this week’s Cabinet meeting, Minister Garwe said Government would adopt a case-by-case approach, balancing enforcement measures with the possibility of regularising some existing developments that meet planning and safety standards.
“You are aware that in May 2025, Government issued a moratorium on the change of land use and reservations because we realised that our local authorities were just giving people the authority just to build houses in wetlands, to build houses in areas designated for commercial buildings or to build service stations in residential areas,” he said.
The moratorium temporarily halted approvals for changes in land use as authorities sought to address widespread abuse of zoning regulations, which had allowed developments to proceed without adequate planning oversight.
Minister Garwe said the mushrooming of churches and fuel stations in residential areas was a major concern, noting that such developments often disrupt neighbourhood planning, increase traffic congestion and pose safety and environmental risks, particularly where fuel infrastructure is located close to homes.
“There are now regulations that people must follow before they construct these churches and service stations in residential areas,” he said.
“For those who have already constructed, there is consideration for regularisation but also there is consideration for penalising people that willingly break the law. So, we will look at the issues on a case-by-case basis.”
