Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZVIMBA Rural District Council (ZRDC) has issued a blanket enforcement order directing occupiers of illegally established small and medium enterprise (SME) workspaces in several areas under its jurisdiction to cease operations, demolish unauthorised structures and restore the affected land.
The enforcement order, issued in terms of Section 32 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12), affects occupiers operating in Granary, Fairview, Nyabira, Haydon, Sandton, Whitecliff, Whitehouse, Mount Hampden, Murombedzi, Raffingora, Glen View 1 Extension, Glen View (the Rest), Rainham, Spitzkop, Rydale Ridge and Kintyre.
In the notice, the local authority said investigations have established that developments in the listed areas were being undertaken in contravention of the law through the erection and operation of structures without approved development permits.
“It appears to the Zvimba Rural District Council that development in the above areas is being carried out in contravention of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act Chapter 29:12, that is, erection and operation of structures or buildings without development permits,” read part of the enforcement order.
The council ordered all affected occupiers to discontinue the use of the land, demolish the illegal structures and restore the land to its original condition before development.
The enforcement order will come into operation 30 days from the date of publication of the notice unless an appeal is lodged in terms of Section 38 of the Act within one month.
The council said the operation of the order will be suspended pending the determination or withdrawal of any appeal.
ZRDC, however, said it retains powers under Section 34 of the Act to issue a prohibition order stopping the continuation of the operations specified in the enforcement order before it comes into effect.
“Whether or not an appeal is lodged against this enforcement order by any person, Zvimba Rural District Council may, in terms of Section 34 of the Act, at any time before it comes into operation, serve a Prohibition Order, prohibiting the continuation of the operation specified in this Enforcement Order,” read the notice.
The council also warned that non-compliance will attract penalties provided for under Sections 32 and 33 of the Act, including the restoration of the land at the owner’s expense.
The latest enforcement action comes as local authorities continue implementing measures aimed at ensuring orderly development and compliance with physical planning laws in line with Government’s drive to promote sustainable urban and peri-urban development.
