New law forces developers to build power infrastructure before selling stands

Property developers in Zimbabwe must now finance and build electricity infrastructure for new projects before selling or leasing stands. Statutory Instrument 128 of 2026 introduces the requirement to ensure new developments have power connections from the start. The regulation aims to reduce the burden on ZESA, the struggling state power utility, and prevent new homes from remaining unconnected for years. Developers must now factor in the cost and logistics of constructing backbone electricity networks. The rule shifts infrastructure costs onto developers, potentially raising property prices and slowing housing development.