The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced plans to demolish several church buildings in the city for not adhering to the local authority’s building standards.
Demolition notices have also been sent to residents who failed to comply with the city’s model building by-laws.
In its latest council report, BCC revealed that about 16 churches, mostly in Cowdray Park and Entumbane high-density suburbs were issued with demolition notices. The report read:
The department of housing and community services has carried out routine inspections around the city.
Some of the churches targeted for demolition are Tabernacles of God, Marimba Church of God, Bethesda Church of Zion, Masimba Apostolic Church, Assemblies of God Church, Sangano Revapositori Church and Jesus Promotion Ministries, among others.
The city’s director of housing and community services, Dictor Khumalo said no construction should be done in the city without approved plans and requisite inspections.
He said the affected churches had been given a 21-day notice to rectify the structures.
Recently, Council condemned 51 buildings in the city centre after they were adjudged to be dilapidated and posing a danger to inhabitants and passers-by.