Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
HARARE City Council has vowed to demolish illegal structures on residential properties in low-density suburbs that have been converted into restaurants, bars, car washes and other businesses without authorisation.
This follows the demolition of makeshift structures at Ngezi Restaurant in Milton Park yesterday, a well-known eatery operating from a residential property without proper authorisation.
The latest blitz follows a number of properties in low-density suburbs being converted into restaurants and bars, which are accused of causing noise pollution.
Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama confirmed the demolitions.
“I am advised that the property, Ngezi, was operating as a restaurant, although it was supposed to operate as a cultural centre. It illegally changed its use, so we are targeting all such structures.”
The city’s chief planner, Mr James Mazvimba, who is leading the blitz, said they had razed down several illegal structures in Waterfalls and would continue with the demolitions.
When The Herald visited Ngezi Restaurant, the council team had already departed, leaving behind heaps of rubble.
The makeshift kitchen, chairs, and tables lay scattered on the ground.
Visibly shaken workers were turning away clients at the gate, directing them to the restaurant’s other branch in Eastlea.
Some workers sat on the ground, distraught.
The alleged owner of the restaurant declined to comment, saying, “Yes, Harare City demolished our structures, but we are not going to give any comment. You can leave.”
The demolitions are being carried out under the Regional, Town, and Country Planning Act, targeting unapproved developments “without fear or favour.”
