Bulawayo City Council (BCC) approved building plans worth more than US$8,1 million in November 2025 after processing close to 1 500 applications, council statistics show.
The approvals signal a rebound in construction activity in the city, driven in part by developers rushing to meet new regulatory requirements under the Architects Act.
The surge in building applications highlights both growing investor confidence and the city’s push to formalise construction standards, potentially boosting Bulawayo’s property and commercial development sectors.
According to council’s latest Building Control Section monthly statistical report, the approvals followed the handling of new submissions, referrals from other departments and plans that completed the circulation approval process.
Housing and Community Services director Dictor Khumalo said the department processed nearly 1 500 building plans during the month.
“A total of 748 were referred to other departments and were still to complete the approval process while 752 completed the process. Of the 752 plans that completed the process, 286 building plans with a value of US$8 160 335 were approved while 480 were referred back for correction,” the report read.
The report notes plan approval increased by 6,72% compared to October 2025. Among the notable non-residential developments approved were lettable retail units in the city centre and a new art gallery in Suburbs.
Council also recorded a sharp rise in plan submission during the month. A total of 557 building plans valued at US$15 953 407 were submitted in November — a 43,19% increase from the previous month.
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The surge was attributed to developers rushing to submit plans ahead of the implementation of Statutory Instrument 56, which amended the Architects Act.
“This increase was believed to be attributable to panic by developers caused by the enactment of SI 56 amending the Architects Act which now demands that all plans be prepared by persons or entities that are registered with the Architects Council of Zimbabwe,” the report read.
Council indicated that the statutory instrument took effect on December 1, 2025. During the month under review, the local authority raised approximately US$158 227,83 from plan submission fees.
Building inspections also increased, with 1 581 inspections conducted — a 4,5% rise from October. From these inspections, 18 public buildings were assessed for the issuance of compliance certificates for 2026.
Revenue from inspection and other building control activities amounted to about US$17 034.
The report further noted improved staffing levels after the appointment of two building inspectors, although the section lost a plans receptionist who was promoted to housing officer. Five posts remain vacant
