Gweru tightens screws on unregistered architects

The Gweru City Council has announced that it will strictly enforce a new law prohibiting unregistered professionals from submitting building plans to the local authority. The move is aimed at maintaining high standards in architectural works and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

According to a notice issued by the council, the enforcement of Statutory Instrument (SI) 56 of 2025 began on October 1. The legislation bars unregistered architects, interior architects, technologists, technicians, and draught persons from drafting or submitting building plans to the council.

"This notice serves to inform the public on the implementation and enforcement of Statutory Instrument 56 of 2025 (SI 56/2025), also cited as the Architects Amendment Regulations 2025, being an amendment to the Architects Act [Chapter 27:01], which was gazetted in May 2025 and governs the practice of Architecture in Zimbabwe," the council statement read.

The notice stressed that only plans prepared by registered professionals would be accepted for approval and urged property developers to verify the credentials of any architectural practitioners with the Architects Council of Zimbabwe (ACZ) or Gweru City Council before engagement.

Council also confirmed that registered architects and other architectural practitioners would be required to pay licence fees as prescribed by the local authority.

The enforcement of SI 56/2025 is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety, quality, and professionalism of construction projects across the city.