…ZNOART national Chairperson, Shalvar Chikomba
Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe National Organization of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has given thumps up following government’s move to curb noise pollution and directive that no fuel service service stations will be issued operating licences in residential areas countrywide.
In a statement ZNOART national Chairperson, Shalvar Chikomba said :
“The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), an apex body representing residents across Zimbabwe, takes note of and welcomes the recent Government announcement requiring churches operating in residential areas to install soundproofing and the decision that fuel stations will no longer be licensed in residential zones, as part of efforts to restore order and sanity in our cities,” he said.
He added:
“As an organisation that champions residents’ rights, orderly urban development, environmental protection, and service delivery, ZNOART believes this announcement addresses long-standing concerns raised by residents nationwide.
However, our response is cautiously optimistic, guided by facts and lived realities on the ground.”
Chikomba said the was need of full enforcement of Noise by laws which were enacted a decade ago but have remained ineffective.
“It is important to place this announcement in proper context. The Harare Noise By-Laws were amended in 2014, while the Control of Worship in Open Spaces By-Laws came into force in 2016. These laws have existed for years, yet enforcement has remained weak, inconsistent, and in some cases nonexistent.
“For over a decade, residents have endured excessive noise pollution, particularly from some churches operating in residential areas, despite clear legal provisions. As such, the key issue is not the absence of law, but the absence of enforcement,”said Chikomba.
He added:
“ZNOART therefore views this announcement as meaningful only if it represents a genuine shift from pronouncements to action.”
Chikomba said the move to stop licensing of fuel service stations in areas of residency was a noble move as it enhanced public safety.
“The proliferation of fuel stations in residential suburbs has been a major source of concern for residents, raising issues of safety, congestion, environmental risk, and violation of town planning standards. These developments did not occur without approvals within the system,”he said.
Chikomba called on government to clarify whether authorities will step in to rectify anomalies on illegal fuel stations and other violations.
“While Government’s position that fuel stations will no longer be licensed in residential areas is welcome, residents seek clarity on whether existing irregular licences will be reviewed,planning violations will be corrected, accountability will be enforced where approvals were granted contrary to the law.
“Without addressing these questions, residents remain sceptical that this policy shift will translate into real change,” he said.
He added:
“If this enforcement drive is genuine, residents expect:immediate and visible enforcement, not indefinite grace periods; equal application of the law, without fear or favour, including against politically connected churches and large fuel companies; protection of residential zones as spaces for living, rest, health, and family life.
“ZNOART supports:
The rule of law,
Orderly urban development, religious freedom exercised with responsibility,
Economic development that respects planning regulations and residents’ rights.
We will continue to engage authorities constructively while holding them accountable on behalf of residents who have suffered for years due to regulatory neglect.
Ultimately, residents will judge this initiative not by statements, but by tangible improvements on the ground.”
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.