Plumtree council bans open-air worship

The Plumtree Town Council has banned open-air worship gatherings, citing growing concerns over open defecation, littering, and environmental degradation at bush shrines that have proliferated around the town.

The new regulations are contained in Statutory Instrument (SI) 137 of 2025, titled The Plumtree Town (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By-laws, 2025, which were recently approved by the Minister of Local Government in terms of section 229 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15].

According to the by-laws, no individual or group will be allowed to hold open-air worship services without a permit from the council.

"No person or persons shall gather in an open space for purposes of worship unless a permit has been issued by council after payment of a fee specified in the first schedule," the SI reads.

The council will designate specific areas for open-air worship, provided they are equipped with adequate sanitary facilities — either temporary or permanent — that must be inspected and approved by an environmental health practitioner under the Public Health Act [Chapter 15:17].

Applications for permits must be submitted to the council using the prescribed forms and accompanied by the required fee, inspection reports, and building plans.

Council retains the right to approve or reject applications based on health, environmental, and local governance laws, including the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27] and existing anti-litter regulations.

The new by-laws further prohibit the cutting down of trees at designated worship sites without prior council approval.

Worship times are now restricted between 5am and 6pm, with extensions only granted through a written request and payment of an additional fee.

The council also reserves the right to cancel permits for non-compliance with the stipulated conditions. Offenders who fail to return cancelled permits or violate any provision of the by-laws will face fines as outlined in the SI's schedules.

The move comes amid a surge in open-air religious gatherings, particularly among Apostolic sects (mapostori), who are known for holding services in open bush areas.

Council officials say the ban is not an attack on religious freedom but an effort to maintain public health, order, and environmental cleanliness.

Residents have expressed mixed reactions — with some applauding the move as necessary to restore hygiene, while others argue it may infringe on freedom of worship.

The new by-laws are expected to be enforced immediately upon gazetting.