Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa and Takunda Gambiza
THE City of Harare’s “Operation CBD Order Restoration” boosted revenue collection, with business compliance rates soaring from 48 percent to 90 percent since its launch on July 28.
The multi-agency operation, which involves the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has not only enforced city bylaws but also educated business operators on requirements for legal operation.
This has resulted in a nearly 21 percent increase in licencing revenue and greater awareness among the business community.
Addressing a press briefing yesterday, Harare’s head of Policy, Planning, and Strategy, Dr Amos Muguti, said the successful initiative will be expanded to industrial areas starting September 1.
“The primary objective of this operation is to ensure strict adherence to prescribed minimum requirements, encompassing compliance with modern building by-laws, licencing regulations, infrastructure development standards and fiscal obligations, including the payment of rates and safety charges,” Dr Muguti said.
He also clarified that the operation runs parallel to a critical water infrastructure project, as the CBD was strategically divided into four quadrants for revitalisation.
“Having successfully completed quadrant A, encompassing Julius Nyerere, Jason Moyo, and Kopje, we are now poised to tackle quadrants B, C and D, with a targeted completion date of August 31,” he said, paving the way for the next phase of urban renewal.
As of August 25, the operation has seen 194 businesses being licenced, 106 buildings settling outstanding bills, 44 businesses reopening, and 131 buildings obtaining fire certification.
There were zero water disconnections during the period
The initiative is targeting a total of 1 325 buildings in the CBD.
Online Reporter