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Talent Gore
CONVERTING residential properties into commercial properties, without going through the proper channels, is illegal, Harare City Council has said.
This comes at a time when many properties in Harare’s northern suburbs have been turned into commercial properties.
For many years, landlords have been taking advantage of this situation by letting their houses to companies and non-governmental organisations. A representative from the City of Harare’s revenue department, Linos Mutero, said converting one’s property to commercial without going through the proper procedure is illegal.
“If you just convert your building into commercial without the due process, that could be illegal because it’s a property which is legal, we cannot destroy it but we will penalise you,” he said.
“But there is no way we can distinguish whether this property is now commercial without the proper papers.
Mutero said every district office has a development officer who deals with those issues.
“Now that we know that there are illegal activities there, we will communicate with our district officers and development control officers on the ground,” he said.
He added that when one wants to operate a business and turn a house into commercial property within a residential area, they are required to apply to the council.
“You cannot go ahead without a permit from the city,” he said.
“We need to consult the neighbourhood.
“So objections or no objections, they will be taken on board.
“Whenever you get such problems, please feel free to post those problems on the group or on my mobile number or the councillors.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter