Deadline looms for unapproved durawalls in Chitungwiza

Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
CHITUNGWIZA residents and business owners who have constructed security walls around their properties without prior approval from the municipality are being urged to take immediate action to avoid penalties or demolition.
In a statement, Chitungwiza acting town clerk, Mr Japson Nemuseso said people have until February 28, 2025, to regularise their security walls through the proper approval processes.
Mr Nemuseso said failure to comply within the given timeline will result in the demolition of non-compliant walls at the owner’s expense.
“The municipality has observed a growing number of durawalls erected without necessary approval,” he said.
“We are offering an opportunity for property owners to rectify this by waiving the usual US$200 penalty fee for each approval stage, provided they act before the deadline.
“After February 28, they will only be required to pay a reduced US$150 approval fee, but failure to comply will result in the demolition of such structures, which will be at the property owner’s cost.”
Mr Nemuseso said it is important to adhere to the regulations set out in the Regional, Town, and Country Planning Act and the Roads Act, both of which require structures like security walls to meet specific criteria before construction.
He said property owners are reminded that any security wall built outside their property boundaries must be adjusted back to the original pegs to comply with the council’s regulations.
“If compliance is not achieved within the month, the municipality will not hesitate to demolish the durawalls, with the cost being met by the property owner.”
Mr Nemuseso urged those seeking to regularise their security walls to visit council offices to initiate the approval process.