BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) approved building plans valued at over US$3 million in September constituting a decrease of 5,26% compared to the previous month's figure.
This is revealed in the latest council minutes on building control section monthly statistical report in which Housing and Community Services director Dictor Khumalo last month said the building control section performed well under difficult circumstances such as lack of transport and high staff turnover.
“The section still requires support in its endeavours to improve inspections and records through use of the GIS technology and storing plans electronically. A total of 180 building plans with a value of US$3 099 686 were approved in September 2023, constituting a decrease of 5,26% compared to the previous month’s figure,” Khumalo said.
“It should be borne in mind that plans should fully comply with our minimum requirements for them to be approved. A total of 231 building plans with a value of US$5 384 385 were submitted in September 2023, a decrease of 12,17% compared to the August 2023 figure. A total of 3 293 inspections were carried out in September 2023 constituting a decrease of 6,50% compared to the previous month total.
“New commercial, industrial and public buildings are inspected by an interdepartmental team before an occupation certificate is issued. On issuance of the occupation certificates the number of new toilets are recorded and forwarded to the finance department for sewerage billing for areas with sewage reticulation.”
Meanwhile, council said it was following up on all illegal structures by issuing final notices and penalising defiant developers.
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“In the month of September, three properties were charged with penalties for carrying out construction work without approved plans while three were fined for carrying out some works without due inspections,” further read the report.
Council is also in the process of issuing notices on dilapidated and condemned building in the central business district (CBD).
“Appropriate action is being taken accordingly. To date, 8,67% of the identified properties has fully complied, 34% are in the process of complying with our instructions and 57,33% are yet to make efforts to comply,” the report read.
Bulawayo CBD has now become an eyesore due to the proliferation of dilapidated and unsightly buildings. Some of the buildings were gutted by fire and were never repaired, while others have been under construction since 2010 and are yet to be completed.