The Nampula City Council has announced the start, on the 26th, of a process to regularize illegally erected buildings in various districts of the city. In the first phase, it is estimated that around 3,000 properties will be covered, but the number may increase depending on how many residents join in.

The announcement was made this Wednesday (21) at a press conference by the Councillor for Infrastructure, Urbanization and the Environment, Stefan Marcelino, who acknowledged the existence of numerous unlicensed works, in violation of the Municipal Code of Postures.

According to the municipality, during the three months of the campaign - until August 31 - citizens will be able to legalize their buildings without fines.

"We've noticed that a lot of work is going on without the proper authorization, which constitutes an infraction. The aim of this campaign is to help residents regularize their situation and avoid future sanctions," explained Marcelino, quoted in a publication from the Rigor newspaper.

To make the process easier, the municipality has decided to simplify the legalization requirements: all you need to do is show your identity card at the administrative offices or at the Department of Urbanization and Land Management. After registration, additional documents will be required, as well as the payment of mandatory fees, such as personal tax. Municipal technicians will inspect the sites to check compliance with the technical and environmental criteria.

Marcelino warned, however, that constructions in risk zones - such as river banks and environmental protection areas - will not be regularized. "We need to ensure that the process respects legal and safety criteria. After the campaign is over, unregulated construction could be subject to fines and other sanctions laid down in municipal regulations," he added.

In addition to legalization, the municipality is reviewing the city's Urban Structure Plan, with the aim of curbing the proliferation of disorderly construction, aggravated by rapid population growth. "The previous plan had weaknesses and was not approved by the Municipal Assembly. We're working on a more robust version, which will provide specific solutions for the affected areas," said the councillor.

The municipality points out that obtaining a building permit, a land occupation permit and the relevant title are fundamental to legally enhancing the value of any property and guaranteeing legal certainty for owners.

(Photo DR)