Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
The cash-strapped Harare City Council has not been getting any revenue from the billboards dotted across the city for more than 20 years, despite watching its skyline fill up with them.
Despite the proliferation of outdoor advertising structures across the capital, the council has not benefited from the billboards, mainly due to corruption and mismanagement.
The city could have earned millions annually from billboard licensing and advertising fees, which are standard sources of income for municipalities worldwide.
The Harare (Control of Advertising Signs) By-Laws prohibit the erection of signage, billboards, or wall murals without council approval.
Speaking during the 1 935th ordinary council meeting yesterday, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said the council is getting nothing from the billboards and went on to propose an external audit.
“The council has not realised revenue from billboards for more than 20 years,” he said.
“Some people are benefiting from the chaos while the council is bleeding. There are many billboards across the city, and nothing is being paid for them.”
