Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
HARARE City Council has shut down at least 71 businesses out of 159 inspected in the Central Business District as part of a crackdown on non-compliant operations, including illegal partitioning of buildings.
The operation dubbed, “CBD order restoration”, began yesterday and resulted in 40 businesses being closed on Julia Zvobgo Street, formerly known as Rezende Street, alone, while 16 were disconnected from water services as the city moves to plug all revenue leakages.
This comes just a month after The Herald revealed that taller shoppers were being forced to duck and weave to avoid hitting their heads on low ceilings in Harare’s Central Business District as some shop owners were creating mezzanines by partitioning ground floors, effectively doubling the space in single-level buildings.
Chairperson of the Task Force leading the blitz, Mr Edgar Dzehonye, said by the end of the day yesterday, they had inspected over 150 premises.
“We have visited 159 premises today and closed 71 of them, while 16 were disconnected from water services.”
The operation is targeting, among other things, businesses operating without current licences, fire compliance certificates, certificates of operation, and approved building and partitioning plans.
“Our message to the business community operating in the CBD is that they must be compliant.
“As you have just witnessed, we’ve closed this shop because it’s trading without a licence, and at the same time, the building has questionable partitions, and we’re in the process of verifying whether it was done legally.”
Harare City spokesperson, Mr Stanley Gama, warned all non-compliant businesses, saying the city will leave no stone unturned in cracking down on errant businesses.
“Today, the City launched a blitz closing down non-compliant businesses. On Rezende Street alone, they closed down 40 shops and one building. Get your business licences and fire compliant certificates.
“The city will not tolerate illegal partitions and developments. Make sure you have certificates of occupation and ensure you are up to date with rates. Visit the City of Harare offices for more information on the by-laws that have to be complied with.”
The City of Harare Council also outlined several measures to address non-compliance among businesses and building owners.
For new buildings or those under construction without approved development permits, the Council will halt developments, issue demolition orders, and require owners to regularise their properties.
Regarding illegal partitions and subdivisions, the Council will impose penalties and enforcement orders, obliging owners to rectify the situation or face closure.
Businesses operating without a Certificate of Occupation will be penalised, and owners must obtain the necessary certification.
The City also warned that operating without a valid business license is illegal, and unlicensed businesses will be closed until owners submit formal applications, which will be processed within three days.
In addition, the City will also address overdue accounts, disconnect services and recommend closure for businesses with outstanding rate payments (property tax, refuse, sewer, effluent and water consumption) exceeding 30 days.
To ensure public safety, buildings non-compliant with emergency services (hydrants and fire extinguishers) will be penalised and closed.
