Government Places Local Authorities’ Master Plans Under 90-Day Public Review

The Government has placed Master Plans from local authorities under a mandatory 90-day public review period before they can be implemented, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has confirmed.

Speaking in Victoria Falls, Minister Garwe underscored the importance of the Master Plans, describing them as essential tools for structured development, strengthened provincial economies and the elimination of disorderly land use patterns.

Zimbabwe has 92 local authorities, and 91 have already submitted their Master Plans for assessment. Technical teams from the ministry have completed preliminary evaluations, while one urban authority is still to hand in its plan.

“We have 92 local authorities — 32 are urban and 60 are rural district councils. Of the 32 urban councils, only one has not finalised and submitted its Master Plan,” Minister Garwe said.

He noted that although he would not disclose the identity of the outstanding council, the ministry is ready to share details with stakeholders who visit the offices. All submitted plans, he added, have undergone initial appraisal and are now open for public examination.

“We have completed the assessment stage, and the plans are now under public scrutiny. The next 90 days will allow the public to review them, after which implementation will begin.”

Minister Garwe commended the councils for meeting the requirements, saying the Master Plans are integral to achieving the country’s Vision 2030 targets.

Master Plans provide long-term direction on land use, infrastructure expansion, environmental protection and economic zoning. They serve as legally enforceable development blueprints designed to guide systematic growth across both urban and rural spaces.

For years, poor spatial planning, mushrooming illegal settlements and inadequate services have hampered development in many local authorities. The new Master Plans aim to address these challenges by offering clear, structured pathways for sustainable development.

Minister Garwe highlighted that the plans will play a central role in building strong provincial economies. By allocating land for industrial, agricultural, commercial and residential development, local authorities are expected to attract investment, boost entrepreneurship and create jobs aligned with each region’s economic potential.

“Sustainability is key,” he said. “We are planning not just for the present, but for future generations. These Master Plans will enable organised, environmentally conscious and resilient growth that enhances the quality of life for citizens.”

The 90-day review window provides residents, experts and other stakeholders with an opportunity to analyse and comment on the proposed plans. This consultative approach is meant to promote transparency and ensure that final documents reflect community priorities.

After the review period, Government will move to implementation — a step expected to significantly improve local governance and service delivery nationwide.

Planning experts and business leaders have welcomed the development, saying the move will help synchronise local authority planning with national objectives under the National Development Strategy (NDS1).