Challenges in Urban Development Control and Housing Provision: A Case of Epworth, Chitungwiza and Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper explains the development control challenges related to housing development experienced by selected urban local authorities in Zimbabwe. The housing market demand has been soaring over the decade in the cities and towns and the government capacity to provide housing has dwindled rendering the provision of housing to housing cooperatives. Urban local authorities in the country, including Harare has a number of housing cooperatives created by low-income home-seekers. This development has led to mixed results some genuinely providing low-cost housing to the communities while other cooperatives leadership duped home seekers to purchase land on undesignated areas such as wetlands. Purposive sampling was used in areas where development control challenges are experienced. A sample size of 15 informants was selected from the various stakeholders. The interview guide and observation were used as instruments. It was established that urban local authorities are facing development control challenges in the urban housing provision as there is a mismatch between the demand for housing and their provision. Stakeholder engagement among the various stakeholders is recommended. Policy review in the incorporation of informal urban settlements into the mainstream urban planning through effective stakeholder participation within urban councils is recommended.