Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
TSHOLOTSHO Rural District Council has given property owners, developers, businesses and institutions with unauthorised structures in the Tsholotsho Town Board Area until July 3, 2026, to regularise their developments or face demolition at their own cost as the local authority intensifies enforcement of building regulations.
In a recent public notice, the council’s chief executive officer, Mr Nkululeko Sibanda, said the local authority had noted a growing number of construction projects being undertaken without approved building plans and mandatory stage inspections.
Mr Sibanda said the developments were in breach of the Model Building By-laws and the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12), which require all building projects to obtain prior approval and undergo inspections at various stages of construction.
“We have observed that some individuals and institutions are carrying out construction works without approved building plans and without mandatory stage inspections by council. This is a violation of the law and we are directing all affected property owners to regularise their developments by reporting to the Council Building Inspectorate on or before Friday, 3 July 2026,” said Mr Sibanda.
He said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that all developments comply with planning requirements, safety regulations and statutory standards while giving affected property owners an opportunity to rectify their status before enforcement measures are implemented.
Mr Sibanda warned that failure to comply would leave the local authority with no option but to institute enforcement action, including penalties and surcharges provided for under the relevant legislation and the approved 2026 council budget.
He said the council may also issue enforcement notices, recover associated costs through legal processes where compliance is resisted and demolish illegal structures at the expense of property owners.
“We urge all affected persons to cooperate and take advantage of this opportunity to regularise their developments and avoid unnecessary penalties and legal action,” said Mr Sibanda.
The move comes at a time when local authorities are under increasing pressure to strengthen governance, accountability and service delivery in line with the Second Republic’s development agenda.
President Mnangagwa has consistently challenged local authorities and public institutions to improve service delivery while ensuring that development is undertaken in an orderly, transparent and lawful manner.
He has emphasised the need for public officials to be responsive to the needs of citizens while upholding the law and promoting sustainable development.
The President recently reiterated that call during the launch of the Citizens Engagement and Scoring Platforms, where he urged public officials to embrace a culture of listening to citizens and using feedback as a tool for improving public service delivery.
He said the platforms should enhance accountability, improve responsiveness and ensure Government institutions remain people-centred.
The Tsholotsho Rural District Council’s latest compliance drive is expected to strengthen adherence to planning regulations while ensuring that developments within the town board area meet the required safety, planning and statutory standards.
