170 illegal shops closed

licences and have poor safety measures.
Health services director responsible for administration Dr Prosper Chonzi confirmed the closures.
He said 447 inspections were done on Tues­day and 352 operators had licences.
“Ninety-five had no licences and we closed their businesses,” he said.
Five operators were issued with licences on the spot after they were found to be compliant.
He said another team was following up to enforce closures.
Some of the businesses belong to councillors and Members of Parliament among other high-ranking public figures.
Dr Chonzi said some of the affected individ­uals were phoning his offices pleading to con­tinue operating illegally but he had told them to pay up.
“There is no going back. There are no nego­tiations. People should just pay up,” he said.
Those who sub-divide shops and hair­dressers who rent chairs in salons would also  be targeted.
Harare expects to collect US$15 million in shop and business licence fees every year.
The council has been collecting US$2,4 mil­lion.