Online Reporter
THE Harare City Council is cracking down on non-compliant businesses in the Central Business District (CBD) under the”CBD Restore Order” initiative.
The operation, which started on Wednesday, saw the Council visiting dozens of business premises and closing at least 190 non-compliant businesses in the two days.
The operation targeted businesses without prerequisite licenses, fire compliance, and certificates of operation among others.
Chairperson of the taskforce, Mr. Edgar Dzehonye,said council was giving businesses an opportunity to comply with regulations.
“We noted from the exercise that a number ofbuildings have been partitioned without necessary authority. We have given them an opportunity to make sure that they regularise their illegal partitions,” he said.
Some businesses are endangering people’s health and safety by operating without fire extinguishers and compulsory fire safety installations.
Mr. Dzehonye noted that 45% of the buildingsinspected were non-compliant with fire regulations.
He’s urged business operators to comply with necessary fire regulations.
He said the council was offering flexible payment terms for businesses that can’t afford to pay license fees upfront.
“If you don’t have money to offset the required business licences fees, you can negotiate for a payment plan and will be granted the authority after getting the necessary authorisation,” Mr. Dzehonye said.
This crackdown is part of the council’s broader effort to restore order in Harare’s commercial landscape and strengthen revenue collection.
