Harare Shuts Down 463 CBD Businesses in Compliance...

Harare Shuts Down 463 CBD Businesses in Compliance Drive

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

The City of Harare has intensified its Operation Central Business District Order Restoration, urging business owners and building proprietors to regularise their operations in line with municipal by-laws.

City of Harare spokesperson Stanley Gama said yesterday the exercise, aimed at restoring order and improving safety in the CBD, has recorded significant enforcement activity.

“We continue to urge all business people and building owners in the CBD to immediately regularise their operations with the City to ensure full compliance,” he said.

According to the latest update, a total of 463 businesses have been closed for operating in violation of city regulations. Of these, 413 businesses were found operating without valid licences, while 141 buildings were in arrears.

The statistics further show that 43 buildings had their water supplies disconnected due to non-compliance, and 65 buildings were operating without approved building plans.

“We have 501 buildings that have complied and have approved building plans,” Gama said.

On fire safety, the City reported that 50 buildings were found with expired fire extinguishers, while 783 had valid fire certification. Inspections also revealed that 111 buildings were operating without subdivision permits.

Gama said the operation would continue until total compliance is achieved. “Our aim is to bring sanity, safety, and order in the CBD, and we will not relent until all property owners and business operators comply with the city’s requirements,” he said.