Bulawayo enlists rangers to tackle illegal structures

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has taken decisive steps to address the increasing number of dangerous and unauthorized structures in the city, enlisting the help of rangers and urging the public to report any suspicious developments. This initiative aims to enforce municipal by-laws, ensure the safety of residents, and curb the rise in illegal constructions that pose a risk to public safety.

According to a recent council report, Mr. Dictor Khumalo, the Director of Housing and Community Services, outlined the significant challenges faced by the department in managing unauthorized buildings. Of the 195 dilapidated buildings currently in the city, only 20 have fully complied with regulations, while 69 are partially compliant, and 106 have failed to meet the required standards.

Churches, schools, and car parks have been identified as the main culprits behind the surge in illegal constructions, with many entities bypassing the necessary approval processes entirely. The department has responded by issuing notices to halt these developments until proper building plans are approved and the required penalties—such as the US$572.50 building fine—are paid.

"The department has been heavily handicapped by inadequate staffing levels and a shortage of vehicles for building inspectors," said Mr. Khumalo. "These challenges have made it difficult to effectively monitor developments, preventing us from identifying and addressing unauthorized constructions in their early stages."

In September of this year, a total of 1,729 inspections were carried out. As a result, 46 buildings received occupation certificates, and 20 advertising signs were processed. These activities raised US$11,535 in revenue. However, the council notes that the potential for higher revenue remains untapped due to the staffing and transport challenges affecting the building control section.

To improve enforcement, the council has turned to rangers, who will assist in ensuring that building regulations are followed. The public has also been encouraged to act as whistle-blowers, reporting any suspicious construction activities. Councillors have been urged to raise awareness among residents about the importance of complying with building by-laws.

"The challenges outlined in the report are leading to a surge in unauthorized building works," the report reads. "It is crucial that such developments are reported promptly to ensure compliance and public safety."

In addition to the enforcement efforts, the department processed 289 building plans in September, approving 177 plans worth US$6,290,538. However, 112 plans were sent back for revisions, highlighting the need for more stringent oversight to prevent illegal building activities from continuing.

As the city grapples with these challenges, the council remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, with a renewed focus on monitoring and compliance to tackle the growing problem of unauthorized developments.