News / National
US$4,6m building plans approved by BCC
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Bulawayo's construction sector is showing strong signs of growth, as the City Council approved building plans worth over US$4.6 million in April alone - highlighting rising confidence in the city's property and infrastructure development.
According to the latest report from the Environmental Management and Engineering Department, the council processed a total of 697 building plans last month. Of these, 316 completed the review process, with 176 receiving approval valued at US$4,613,365. Another 140 plans were sent back for corrections, while 381 remain under review by various departments.
"This represents a 2.32 percent increase in approved plans compared to March 2025," the report noted.
New plan submissions surged significantly, with 334 plans valued at US$6,320,804 lodged in April - a 56.07 percent increase from the previous month. These applications generated potential revenue of US$63,208 in submission fees for the council.
The city's construction growth is also reflected in inspection activities, with 1,659 inspections carried out in April, marking an 11.87 percent rise from March. These inspections resulted in the issuance of 75 occupation certificates. Additionally, 33 dilapidated buildings were assessed for compliance, while four public buildings underwent safety evaluations. Inspection-related operations generated approximately US$10,635 in revenue.
The construction boom is positively impacting related sectors as well. Demand for hardware, cement, steel, and finishing materials has increased, benefitting suppliers and boosting the local economy. Real estate agents and property developers are poised to gain from the rising number of approved construction projects.
Furthermore, local contractors and skilled artisans - including bricklayers, plumbers, and electricians - are capitalising on the surge in activity, creating more job opportunities and broadening economic benefits across Bulawayo.
This upward trend signals a promising future for Bulawayo's built environment and underlines the city's expanding role as a key hub for development in Zimbabwe.
According to the latest report from the Environmental Management and Engineering Department, the council processed a total of 697 building plans last month. Of these, 316 completed the review process, with 176 receiving approval valued at US$4,613,365. Another 140 plans were sent back for corrections, while 381 remain under review by various departments.
"This represents a 2.32 percent increase in approved plans compared to March 2025," the report noted.
New plan submissions surged significantly, with 334 plans valued at US$6,320,804 lodged in April - a 56.07 percent increase from the previous month. These applications generated potential revenue of US$63,208 in submission fees for the council.
The construction boom is positively impacting related sectors as well. Demand for hardware, cement, steel, and finishing materials has increased, benefitting suppliers and boosting the local economy. Real estate agents and property developers are poised to gain from the rising number of approved construction projects.
Furthermore, local contractors and skilled artisans - including bricklayers, plumbers, and electricians - are capitalising on the surge in activity, creating more job opportunities and broadening economic benefits across Bulawayo.
This upward trend signals a promising future for Bulawayo's built environment and underlines the city's expanding role as a key hub for development in Zimbabwe.
Source - The Chronicle
