The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has ordered all local authorities to intensify enforcement against owners of dilapidated and poorly maintained properties and to issue abatement orders against buildings and premises deemed unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unacceptable.
This is being done to restore cleanliness, order, safety and functionality in cities, towns and growth points across the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Thursday, 17 September, Minister Daniel Garwe said the measures will cover shopping centres, business complexes, industrial properties, office buildings, churches and other places of worship, as well as residential properties.
He said the deterioration of the built environment — such as roads, lighting, shopping complexes, buildings and public spaces — required urgent action by both Government and citizens.
“The Ministry has taken note of the continued deterioration of our built environment,” he said. “This includes the condition of our roads, lighting, shopping complexes, buildings and public spaces in all local authorities across the country.”
Garwe said the situation had been worsened by widespread violations of by-laws, including trading from undesignated areas and construction without inspections, approvals or, in some cases, proof of ownership.
Under the directive, local authorities must initiate abatement orders against owners and occupiers whose buildings, boundary walls, pavements, yards and surrounding areas are unsafe, unsanitary, dilapidated or in an otherwise unacceptable condition.
Owners will be required to carry out repairs, renovations, repainting, cleaning and refurbishment to bring their properties to acceptable standards.
An abatement order is a legal directive requiring an owner or occupier to remedy specified conditions within a period prescribed by law. Failure to comply may attract penalties under applicable legislation, including a fine up to Level Five, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Garwe also directed local planning authorities to intensify enforcement against illegal and unregulated developments.
He said planning authorities have powers under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12], including Sections 32 to 34, to act against unauthorised developments and unlawful building works.
The Minister asserted that where illegal developments or unauthorised modifications are identified, enforcement orders will be issued requiring those responsible to stop, rectify or otherwise remedy the unlawful development. Contravening the relevant provisions may attract a fine or imprisonment of up to one year.
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