Lupane Local Board (LLB) has started drafting new by-laws in an effort to update its pre-indepence laws.
This is in response to a Government call for all local authorities to update their laws as most are using outdated by-laws crafted before
independence.
In a statement, LLB Town Secretary Fr Sibanda invited members of the public, particularly residents of the provincial capital, to visit the local authority offices to inspect the proposed by-laws.
“The Lupane Local Board has proposed to adopt the below listed draft by-laws for 2023. Copies of the proposed draft by-laws will be opened for inspection at LLB offices stand number 250 during working hours from 8am to 4pm weekdays,” said Sibanda.
Lupane is one of the fast growing local authorities with its industry hinged on timber production.
There is also booming agriculture leveraging on the Bubi-Lupane dam and irrigation scheme nearby.
Some of the proposed by-laws include building by-law, prohibition of use of commercial shops backroom for human habitation, open space
worship, land use and natural resources, prohibition of smoking in community halls, trading licence, regulation of derelict unoccupied
and dangerous buildings, abandoned vehicles and anti-littering.
The others are meant to regulate hawkers and vendors, management of pets such as dogs, cats and snakes, proceeding of meetings, noise
making, control of livestock, numbering of premises and buildings, registering of premises, advertising and environment among others.
Local authorities have challenges especially with open air churches, public meetings, environmental degradation as a result of human
activity, stray animals and pets.
Local Government Minister July Moyo recently, while at a budget approval meeting in Gweru, ordered all local authorities to put their
houses in order and update by-laws.