Zimbabwe prohibits fuel stations in residential areas

Petrol stations are getting kicked out of neighborhoods after the government decided too many have been cropping up near homes.

No more fuel stops in residential zones

• New service stations can't be built in housing areas unless they're inside shopping centers.
• Every station has to keep a safe buffer distance from nearby properties.
• Developers must widen roads or add turning lanes to handle extra traffic.

Permits for land changes are getting faster

• A streamlined approval system launches on February 10, 2026, cutting red tape.
• Local councils will handle applications instead of forcing everyone through central ministry offices.
• Provincial deputies will compile weekly reports and send them up for final sign-off.

Councils will report violations every three months

• Mushamba said quarterly updates will track whether developers are playing by the rules.
• Police can step in if councils need backup enforcing the new restrictions.
• The aim is to keep cities organized without blocking legitimate development projects.