Govt reviews fees to boost construction sector

Zimbabwe's Cabinet has approved a comprehensive review of licences, permits, levies, and fees within the construction sector as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of doing business and stimulate economic growth.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, following a Cabinet meeting in Harare. He said the reforms align with a broader programme adopted on July 29 last year aimed at improving efficiency across key sectors of the economy.

The review is expected to simplify regulatory processes, eliminate duplicated requirements, and reduce unnecessary costs, particularly in the real estate and construction industries. Government also intends to make it easier and more affordable to regularise informal settlements, a move that could support urban development and housing expansion.

As part of the reforms, Cabinet has approved measures such as capping building plan approval fees in high-density and industrial areas, removing inspection fees for high-density suburbs, reducing structural engineering approval costs, abolishing environmental impact assessment fees, and lowering contractor registration fees. The goal is to ease financial pressures on developers and encourage more formal construction activity.

Dr Soda explained that the review process will involve further consultations and will focus on three main areas: government-imposed fees, private-sector charges, and broader cross-cutting issues. He noted that detailed fee schedules and related statutory instruments will be published after the consultation process.

In addition to construction sector reforms, Cabinet also approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Zimbabwe and Ghana on cooperation in the energy sector. The agreement, presented by Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting collaboration in renewable energy, oil, gas, electricity, and petroleum.

The agreement is expected to enhance Zimbabwe's energy security, support infrastructure development, and promote the transition to cleaner energy through capacity-building and knowledge exchange between the two countries.