Online Reporter
Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
HARARE City Council has shut down over 460 shops in a blitz targeting operators violating municipal by-laws.
The operation, which was launched on July 29 under the banner “CBD Order Restoration”, is targeting businesses operating without valid licences, illegally partitioned premises and buildings with unpaid water bills.
“As of August 14, 2025, a total of 463 businesses had been closed for non-compliance,” said the city in a statement.
“Businesses without licences stood at 413, while buildings with water arrears stood at 141.”
A further 100 shops have been flagged for illegal partitioning. Investigations have revealed that some owners were housing up to 40 separate operators under a single trading licence.
“The City of Harare continues to urge businesspeople and building owners in the CBD to immediately regularise their operations to ensure total compliance.”
The crackdown has also exposed widespread safety and structural breaches.
Council inspectors identified 65 buildings without approved construction plans, 50 with expired fire extinguishers and 111 lacking subdivision permits.
While 783 buildings had valid fire certification, compliance in this area remained a serious concern. A snap survey by The Herald yesterday showed that many of the recently closed shops had since reopened after settling outstanding fees and securing the necessary documentation.
Taskforce chairperson Mr Edgar Dzehonye said operators without subdivision permits would be given leeway to avoid a “total city shutdown”.
However, those without business licences would be shut down immediately.
