"Regularise Your Durawalls by February 28 or Face ...

"Regularise Your Durawalls by February 28 or Face Demolition," Chitown Warns

Gilbert Munetsi

Zim Now Writer

In a bold move to enforce compliance, Chitungwiza Municipality has issued an ultimatum to homeowners and businesses with unapproved durawalls to regularise them by February 28, or face demolition.

This directive also extends to mobile cash vendors operating out of unlicensed cabins and containers, who have been given a stricter deadline of February 6.

The announcement, made by Acting Town Clerk Japson Nemuseso, references the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act and the Roads Act to justify the crackdown. Property owners are being urged to visit council offices and complete the necessary approval processes to legalize their durawalls.

“The council is inviting homeowners and businesses with unapproved durawalls to visit council offices for regularisation. Those who respond before February 28 will benefit from a reduced US$150 approval fee, as the US$200 penalty fee for each approval stage has been waived for this limited period,” Nemuseso stated.

The municipality has also made it clear that non-compliance will result in demolition of the offending structures, with the costs to be borne by the property owners. Additionally, those whose structures encroach beyond their designated boundaries have been instructed to revert to their original pegs.

Meanwhile, mobile cash vendors operating without licenses, permits, or legitimate leases have been warned to cease operations and vacate their premises by February 6. Nemuseso cautioned that failure to comply would lead to confiscation of goods and equipment.

“Failure to comply with this notice will result in confiscation of any goods and equipment. The municipality urges prompt action to avoid financial or legal consequences,” he emphasized.

This move comes as Chitungwiza Municipality steps up efforts to enforce town planning regulations and streamline operations within the town. Affected rate payers however feel it is a ploy aimed at boosting the coffers of the cash-strapped local authority. They question why preference has never been given to service delivery.

In similar fashion, Rusape Municipality recently took a controversial stance by introducing charges for residents seeking to install water tanks. The decision, aimed at regulating the process, has been met with mixed reactions from ratepayers from that end.

Under the new policy, residents are required to pay fees to obtain approval for water tank installations. The municipality argues that this is necessary to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards, but critics have accused it of further burdening residents who are already grappling with water supply challenges.

The move by Rusape Municipality aligns with broader efforts by urban councils to enforce regulations and generate revenue. However, some residents feel it is an unfair imposition, particularly in a country where water shortages are commonplace.

As both Chitungwiza and Rusape crack down on unregulated practices, these measures highlight the balancing act between enforcing order and addressing the concerns of residents. Whether these policies will lead to compliance or backlash remains to be seen.