Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The Harare City Council’s ongoing blitz on non-compliant businesses has led to the closure of more than 460 shops in the central business district (CBD) since its launch two weeks ago.
The operation dubbed ”CBD order restoration, is mainly targeting businesses operating without licenses, illegally partitioned buildings, as well as businesses neglected to pay their water bills.
In a statement, the City of Harare revealed that out of the total closed, over 400 were shut down for operating without licenses.
“As of August 14th, 2025, a total of 463 businesses had been closed for non-compliance,” reads the statement.
“Businesses without licenses stood at 413, while 141 buildings with water arrears stood at 141.”
According to the Harare City Council, as of Thursday, there were 65 buildings without approved building plans and 50 buildings with expired fire extinguishers.
“The City of Harare continues to urge business people and building owners in the CBD to immediately regularise their operations with the City to ensure total compliance.”
The city also revealed that at least 783 buildings have fire certification, while 111 had no subdivision permits.
Online Reporter