News / National
Bulawayo construction activity picks up
17 hrs ago |
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Bulawayo City Council (BCC) approved building plans valued at more than US$8,1 million in November 2025 after processing close to 1 500 applications, signalling a rebound in construction activity and renewed investor confidence in the city.
Council statistics show the surge was partly driven by developers rushing to comply with new regulatory requirements introduced under amendments to the Architects Act, which came into effect on December 1, 2025.
According to the latest Building Control Section monthly statistical report, the approvals followed the processing of new submissions, referrals from other council departments and plans that completed the full circulation approval process.
Housing and Community Services director Dictor Khumalo said nearly 1 500 building plans were handled during the month.
"A total of 748 were referred to other departments and were still to complete the approval process, while 752 completed the process. Of the 752 plans that completed the process, 286 building plans with a value of US$8 160 335 were approved, while 480 were referred back for correction," the report stated.
Plan approvals increased by 6,72% compared to October 2025, reflecting growing development momentum in the city. Among the notable non-residential projects approved were lettable retail units in the central business district and a new art gallery in the Suburbs area.
Council also recorded a sharp rise in plan submissions during the month, with 557 building plans valued at US$15 953 407 submitted in November. This represented a 43,19% increase from October.
The spike in submissions was attributed to developers rushing to beat the deadline brought about by Statutory Instrument 56 of 2025, which amended the Architects Act.
"This increase was believed to be attributable to panic by developers caused by the enactment of SI 56 amending the Architects Act, which now demands that all plans be prepared by persons or entities registered with the Architects Council of Zimbabwe," the report noted.
During the month under review, BCC generated approximately US$158 227,83 from plan submission fees, providing a boost to council revenues.
Building inspections also increased, with 1 581 inspections conducted in November, representing a 4,5% rise from the previous month. As a result of these inspections, 18 public buildings were assessed for the issuance of compliance certificates for 2026.
Revenue from inspections and other building control activities amounted to about US$17 034.
The report further noted improvements in staffing levels following the appointment of two new building inspectors. However, the section lost a plans receptionist who was promoted to housing officer, leaving five posts still vacant.
Council officials say the rise in approvals and submissions reflects both improving economic activity and Bulawayo's push to formalise construction standards, developments that could stimulate further growth in the city's property and commercial sectors.
Council statistics show the surge was partly driven by developers rushing to comply with new regulatory requirements introduced under amendments to the Architects Act, which came into effect on December 1, 2025.
According to the latest Building Control Section monthly statistical report, the approvals followed the processing of new submissions, referrals from other council departments and plans that completed the full circulation approval process.
Housing and Community Services director Dictor Khumalo said nearly 1 500 building plans were handled during the month.
"A total of 748 were referred to other departments and were still to complete the approval process, while 752 completed the process. Of the 752 plans that completed the process, 286 building plans with a value of US$8 160 335 were approved, while 480 were referred back for correction," the report stated.
Plan approvals increased by 6,72% compared to October 2025, reflecting growing development momentum in the city. Among the notable non-residential projects approved were lettable retail units in the central business district and a new art gallery in the Suburbs area.
Council also recorded a sharp rise in plan submissions during the month, with 557 building plans valued at US$15 953 407 submitted in November. This represented a 43,19% increase from October.
The spike in submissions was attributed to developers rushing to beat the deadline brought about by Statutory Instrument 56 of 2025, which amended the Architects Act.
"This increase was believed to be attributable to panic by developers caused by the enactment of SI 56 amending the Architects Act, which now demands that all plans be prepared by persons or entities registered with the Architects Council of Zimbabwe," the report noted.
During the month under review, BCC generated approximately US$158 227,83 from plan submission fees, providing a boost to council revenues.
Building inspections also increased, with 1 581 inspections conducted in November, representing a 4,5% rise from the previous month. As a result of these inspections, 18 public buildings were assessed for the issuance of compliance certificates for 2026.
Revenue from inspections and other building control activities amounted to about US$17 034.
The report further noted improvements in staffing levels following the appointment of two new building inspectors. However, the section lost a plans receptionist who was promoted to housing officer, leaving five posts still vacant.
Council officials say the rise in approvals and submissions reflects both improving economic activity and Bulawayo's push to formalise construction standards, developments that could stimulate further growth in the city's property and commercial sectors.
Source - Southern Eye
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