Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Churches in residential areas must now have soundproof walls, and new fuel stations will be banned from suburbs, the Ministry of Local Government has announced.
Shingirai Mushamba, chief director of spatial planning and development, said existing places of worship must hold services in fully enclosed, soundproof buildings.
New fuel stations will be allowed only in formally approved commercial zones, enforcing planning laws that have long existed but have been inconsistently applied. Said Mushamba:
“Every place of worship operating in residential areas will now need to conduct services in enclosed, soundproofed buildings.”
“We are also putting an end to the establishment of new fuel service stations in these areas unless they are part of approved shopping centres.”
Harare’s existing by-laws make it clear that residential peace comes first. Under the Noise (Amendment) By-laws of 2014, any activity that disturbs neighbourhoods, from loudspeakers to amplified music, is prohibited without council approval.
Churches are also bound by the 2016 Control of Worship in Open Spaces By-laws, which require permits for open-air services, limit worship hours to 10 am–6 pm, and give the council the power to revoke approvals if services become a nuisance.
Fuel stations fall under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:13), with the city council acting as the local planning authority.
Section 24 bars any development without a permit, while Section 26 mandates public notification and due process for any proposed land use that differs from existing zoning.
In practice, this means that fuel stations can operate only in zones designated for commercial use under the Harare Master Plan or Local Plans.
Residential areas cannot host new stations without formal rezoning and proper public consultation.
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