Only Registered Architects Allowed to Submit Plans Under New Gweru Law

The Gweru City Council has announced a firm stance on enforcing a newly introduced regulation that prohibits unregistered individuals from submitting building plans to the council. The regulation aims to uphold safety standards and ensure quality architectural practices within the city.

As of October 1, the council began implementing Statutory Instrument (SI) 56 of 2025, which bans individuals who are not formally registered as architects, interior architects, architectural technologists, technicians, or draught persons from preparing or submitting building plans for approval.

“This notice serves to inform the public on the implementation and enforcement of Statutory Instrument 56 of 2025 (SI 56/2025), also cited as the Architects Amendment Regulations 2025, being an amendment to the Architects Act [Chapter 27:01], which was gazetted in May 2025 and governs the practice of Architecture in Zimbabwe,” said the council.

The regulation mandates that only certified professionals may be involved in the preparation and submission of construction drawings. As such, developers and property owners are advised to confirm the registration status of any architectural service providers through the Architects Council of Zimbabwe (ACZ) or directly with the Gweru City Council prior to engagement.

Additionally, the council noted that licensed professionals will be required to pay specified licence fees set by the local authority.

This move is part of a larger strategy to reinforce professionalism in the building sector and safeguard public safety across all construction projects within the city.