Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Municipal Correspondent
THE City of Harare has ordered property owners to repair, renovate and maintain dilapidated and unsightly buildings and their surroundings, warning that non-compliant owners risk penalties and other enforcement measures.
The directive is contained in a public notice issued by Acting Town Clerk Advocate W.S. Chiwawa on August 19, in terms of Chapter 2, Sections 48 and 49 of the Model Building By-Laws, 1977, read together with applicable legislation and statutory instruments.
The local authority said the move was aimed at ensuring that properties within the capital are maintained in conditions that were safe, structurally sound, sanitary, orderly and visually acceptable.
“Notice is hereby given in terms of Chapter 2, Sections 48 and 49 of the Model Building By-Laws, 1977, read together with all applicable legislation and statutory instruments, that all properties and premises within the City of Harare are required to be maintained in a safe, structurally sound, sanitary, orderly and visually acceptable condition,” the notice read.
The council said the requirements applied to all categories of properties and were not limited to buildings alone.
“This requirement applies without limitation to all building types, structures, developments and their surrounding areas, including yards, boundary walls/fences, pavements, access ways, external works and other areas forming part of the property,” said the council.
Harare has in recent years been grappling with ageing infrastructure and deteriorating properties in some parts of the city, with poorly maintained buildings and surroundings contributing to an unsightly urban environment.
Under the latest directive, property owners and occupiers will be expected to undertake repairs and general improvements where necessary.
Peter Tanyanyiwa