Masterplans for all councils by June

ALL hands are on the deck to ensure that local authorities have approved masterplans by the end of June this year as directed by President Mnangagwa, as the Second Republic moves to curb sprouting chaotic haphazard settlements.

Illegal settlements had been mushrooming across the country especially in urban areas where councils like Harare are using an outdated 1993 masterplan resulting in the parcelling out of land in areas like wetlands, servitudes and communal areas.

A masterplan is an overall land use planning document, which constitutes policies and strategies regarding how land should be used and how developments should occur, looking at future water supplies, road networks, housing provision, environmental management and transport. Details are filled in with the appropriate local plans. The master plan contains aerial photos, illustrations, maps, reports and statistical information to support the planning vision.

Speaking at the first of its kind interaction meeting of planners in Zimbabwe drawn from all the 92 local authorities and from professionals at district, provincial and national level, Local Government and Public Works Minister, Winston Chitando said the deadline for masterplans will be met as only eight out of 92 councils had approved plans.

Minister Chitando said through the blueprint launched by President Mnangagwa last year it was evident that it contained a number of service delivery matters, including the need for operative masterplans and functional town planning and land management departments in all local authorities by June 30, 2030.