The government has removed restrictions on land use changes across Zimbabwe. As a result, local authorities can now make planning decisions independently.
Previously, a Conditional Moratorium limited these powers. That moratorium had been in place since May 2025.
However, authorities can now approve land use changes and reservation adjustments. This marks a major shift in urban and regional planning governance.
Minister Announces Policy Shift
In an official notice, Minister Daniel Garwe confirmed the changes. He addressed mayors, council chairpersons, and senior local authority officials.
He stated that councils are no longer restricted from exercising planning powers. These powers were previously suspended under the moratorium.
The minister said:
“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, has, with effect from 31st March 2026 withdrawn the Conditional Moratorium which had been imposed in terms of Section 69 of Regional, Town and Country Planning Act Chapter 29:12 on change of uses (section 26 (3) and change of reservations (section 49 (3) and (4) applications which was issued on the 2nd day of May 2025.
“With this withdrawal of the Conditional Moratorium, local authorities are no longer prohibited from exercising the above-quoted Local Planning Authority powers in respect of change of use and change of reservation which the moratorium had imposed.”
Improved Capacity Drives Decision
Garwe explained that improved local authority capacity influenced the decision. Authorities have strengthened planning and development control systems. Therefore, the government believes councils can now manage land development effectively.
He added:
“The decision to withdraw has been taken after careful appraisal and assessment, which generally show that local authorities have significantly improved their internal planning and development control capacity, including compliance with conditions stipulated therein.
“The Ministry is satisfied that the measures put in place are adequate to address the challenges that had caused the moratorium to be imposed.
“Local Authorities are encouraged to continue strengthening the newly established Departments of Spatial Planning and to exercise robust development control measures.
“Further, the Ministry, through its Inspectorate Department, shall ensure compliance with the array of measures which Local Authorities undertook to abide by in order to achieve the objectives of orderly and functional settlements.”
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