By Maxwell Mapungwana
Marondera Municipality says it has no illegal settlements within its jurisdiction, a rare claim as other local authorities battle rampant land baron activities and chaotic urban sprawl.
The local authority attributes the clean record to strict monitoring of construction projects and uncompromising enforcement of urban planning regulations.
This is at a time when illegal, unplanned settlements are fuelling disorderly development and crippling service delivery across the country.
Municipality spokesperson Kudakwashe Tapfumaneyi said council was committed to ensuring all construction complied with approved plans and the law.
“No, there are no illegal settlements in Marondera.
“No such cases have been recorded,”* he said.
Law as the Anchor
Tapfumaneyi said council, as the third tier of government, operated within the confines of the law and was guided by legislation governing land use, construction and urban development.
He said the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, together with applicable building by-laws, provided the legal framework for regulating development and addressing structures that violated planning requirements.
Demolitions Follow Due Process
On enforcement, Tapfumaneyi said council followed prescribed legal procedures before carrying out any demolitions or evictions.
This includes prior notification of affected stakeholders.
He urged residents, prospective homeowners and other stakeholders to obtain the necessary approvals before constructing houses or other structures to avoid violating planning regulations.
“Our vigilant building inspectorate team also surveys our jurisdiction to monitor all construction projects to ensure the legal development of structures,” Tapfumaneyi said.
The monitoring exercise, he said, is intended to identify developments that do not conform to approved plans.
It will also ensure that all buildings meet the municipality’s planning and construction standards.
Private Developers Roped In To Ease Housing Pressure
Meanwhile, the municipality is engaging private developers to service land and allocate residential stands.
These moves are part of efforts to address housing demand and reduce the housing waiting list.
Tapfumaneyi said partnerships with private developers were complementing council’s efforts.
The initiative is expected to expand access to residential land while promoting planned, orderly urban development.
While illegal settlements remain a major concern nationally Marondera says its approach centres on enforcing planning regulations.
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