KEY POINTS
- Harare closes 1,830 firms for breaking the law.
- Violations include unlicensed trade, arrears, and safety lapses.
- City says enforcement drive will extend beyond CBD.
The City of Harare has stepped up its clampdown on businesses flouting municipal by-laws, shutting 1,830 firms in the capital’s Central Business District as part of an order restoration program.
Authorities said the sweep was designed to restore order and improve compliance with licensing, safety, and service regulations across the city.
Widespread violations across the CBD
Fresh data from the municipality shows 1,471 businesses were operating without licenses, while 534 buildings were behind on council payments. Water supplies were cut to 81 properties.
Building safety is also under scrutiny, with 609 structures lacking approved plans and 744 without subdivision permits. Fire compliance emerged as a mixed picture 125 buildings had expired extinguishers, though 3,814 were certified as meeting fire standards.
Revenue and service delivery at risk
Acting Town Clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo further urged business owners and residents to settle arrears to boost municipal revenues. “I set a collection target of at least 70 percent of the potential revenue,” he said, warning that service delivery depends on stronger compliance.
He stressed that the campaign was not limited to the CBD but extended to industrial zones and residential neighborhoods, forming part of a broader drive to strengthen service delivery across Harare.
Enforcement to continue citywide
The city has vowed that inspections will continue until all businesses and property owners comply with licensing, building, and safety regulations. Officials also say the crackdown is critical to protecting residents, stabilizing finances, and improving the functioning of Zimbabwe’s capital.
