The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has expressed concern over the surge of illegal structures on private land, roads, road reserves, stream banks, and council property, in clear violation of municipal by-laws and national legislation.
Town clerk Christopher Dube said illegal residential developments have been noted behind stands 23418–23430 in Cowdray Park, and developers have been ordered to cease all operations immediately.
"Members of the public and other stakeholders are therefore advised that all such illegal structures should be removed or demolished with immediate effect by individuals or organisations responsible,” he said.
Dube warned that anyone purchasing land in these areas does so at their own risk, as structures on ecologically sensitive sites will be demolished.
"The public is hereby informed that the City of Bulawayo, in terms of Sections 24. 35 and 37 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 29:12, sections 46, 47 and 48 of the Roads Act, Chapter 13:18, section 6 of the Model building by-laws (1977) and section 11 and 12 of the Bulawayo (Protection of Lands and Natural Resources) By-Laws, 1975, will effect its mandate to ensure compliance through these legislative frameworks,” he said.
“Any persons or organisations who fail to comply with this notice with immediate effect will be liable to face legal action, and the Municipality will remove illegal structures at the cost of offenders."
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