…as major church projects get nod
FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO- The City of Masvingo has approved two major land consolidation applications that will pave the way for new church-led developments in the central business district, while also adopting a tougher stance on dilapidated buildings by warning property owners to renovate or risk losing their operating licences next year.
The resolutions are contained in the minutes of the Public Works and Planning Committee which were presented during the last Full Council meeting held last Wednesday.
The Public Works and Planning Committee approved an application by the Catholic Diocese of Masvingo to consolidate Stands 250 and 251 Fort Victoria Township known as 12 and 14 Simon Muzenda Street into a single property measuring 1, 428 square metres.
The Diocese plans to demolish the existing structures and construct a multi-storey commercial building on the site.
The property falls within the Special Commercial Land Use Zone under the operative Masvingo Town Centre Local Development Plan.
According to the committee, the development supports the city’s redevelopment policy by promoting efficient use of prime land in the CBD, creating additional commercial space, enhancing the city’s skyline and improving property values.
The committee resolved that the application be processed in terms of Section 40 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12].
Council also approved an application by the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) to consolidate Stands 503 and 504 Fort Victoria Township, situated at 6 and 8 Greenfield Avenue into one property measuring 2,230 square metres.
The church intends to use the consolidated property as a place of worship. As part of the process, the Local Planning Authority will exercise its special consent powers to change the land use of Stand 503 from commercial to a place of worship in line with the Masvingo Town Centre Local Development Plan.
Masvingo City Mayor, Cllr Alec Tabe, said the city can no longer tolerate dilapidated buildings in the CBD, stressing that property owners must upgrade and renovate their premises before next year.
“Most of the old buildings in the city must be uplifted, renovated and upgraded. The structures are no longer appealing and do not reflect the image we want for Masvingo City,” said Tabe.
He warned that council would not renew operating licences for property owners who fail to comply with the directive.
“We will not renew their licences next year if they do not comply with this directive. Property owners have a responsibility to improve the appearance and safety of their buildings,” he said.
The mayor further advised that the Town Clerk should work closely with the Planning Department to issue formal notices to all property owners, advising them of the new requirements and expected timelines for compliance.
The resolutions form part of the city’s broader drive to modernise the central business district through redevelopment, improved infrastructure and stricter enforcement of planning standards.
