31pc of Harare buildings in poor shape

Last year, the city identified more than 500 buildings, including 14 multi-storey ones in the city centre as unsafe for occupation, potentially posing a danger to people and other buildings.

Trust Freddy-Zimpapers Reporter

HARARE City Council says at least 31 percent of buildings in the central business district (CBD) are in poor shape.

This comes amid a mass exodus of businesses relocating to suburban areas owing to deteriorating services.

The revelation was made at recent workshop where local authorities under Harare Metropolitan Province presented updates on their draft master plans to Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tavengwa.

“There is a mass exodus of businesses from the central business district, with major companies relocating to suburban areas due to high crime, poor parking and deteriorating services,” principal consultant for the Harare Master Plan project, Mr Trymore Muderere said, while presenting findings on the Real Estate and Land Marketing draft.

“We are also seeing a high office vacancy rate, with 60 percent of office space remaining empty. Furthermore, 31 percent of CBD buildings are in poor condition.”

Last year, the city identified more than 500 buildings, including 14 multi-storey ones in the city centre as unsafe for occupation, potentially posing a danger to people and other buildings.

However, the city is still to take action against property owners of buildings that have been condemned.