News / National
Chombo orders councils to stop unplanned land developments
14 Nov 2013 at 08:55hrs | Views
Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo has reiterated that the law prohibits the sub-division of land and erection of structures without the issuance of a permit from a local planning authority.
Dr Chombo was addressing councilors, council technocrats and ministry officials from Mashonaland West during an interactive meeting in Chinhoyi.
The Minister has since ordered all local authorities to halt and reverse unplanned developments.
Chombo described as untenable the breakdown of law and systems relevant to land management and land use planning and has since instructed councils to exercise their power in terms of development control by ensuring that no unsanctioned land allocation and building takes place in any local authority.
He challenged councils to come up with time-frames rehabilitation of water reticulation and production infrastructure programmes and put in place institutional arrangements for solid waste management.
Regarding housing delivery, Dr Chombo said government will provide land for needy home-seekers, adding that public-private sector partnerships are encouraged to provide low-cost housing units.
Chombo criticised the lack of good corporate governance in local authorities which are accused of abusing tender procedures and financial mismanagement.
Meanwhile, the government is reviewing three key laws, namely the Rural District Councils Act, the Urban Councils Act and the Provincial Councils and Administration Act to ensure a coherent legal framework in view of the establishment of provincial and metropolitan councils as provided for in the new constitution.
Dr Chombo was addressing councilors, council technocrats and ministry officials from Mashonaland West during an interactive meeting in Chinhoyi.
The Minister has since ordered all local authorities to halt and reverse unplanned developments.
Chombo described as untenable the breakdown of law and systems relevant to land management and land use planning and has since instructed councils to exercise their power in terms of development control by ensuring that no unsanctioned land allocation and building takes place in any local authority.
He challenged councils to come up with time-frames rehabilitation of water reticulation and production infrastructure programmes and put in place institutional arrangements for solid waste management.
Regarding housing delivery, Dr Chombo said government will provide land for needy home-seekers, adding that public-private sector partnerships are encouraged to provide low-cost housing units.
Chombo criticised the lack of good corporate governance in local authorities which are accused of abusing tender procedures and financial mismanagement.
Meanwhile, the government is reviewing three key laws, namely the Rural District Councils Act, the Urban Councils Act and the Provincial Councils and Administration Act to ensure a coherent legal framework in view of the establishment of provincial and metropolitan councils as provided for in the new constitution.
Source - ZBC
