121 Businesses Shut Down in Harare CBD Crackdown

ZimNow News Desk

The City of Harare has escalated its CBD cleanup operation, with 121 businesses now shut down as part of its ongoing "Operation CBD Order Restoration."

According to the Day 2 update released by council authorities, a total of 295 businesses were inspected, with violations ranging from operating without licenses to expired permits and illegal water connections.

Key figures from Day 2:

295 businesses visited
121 businesses shut down
79 had no business licenses.
27 had expired licenses.
18 had water disconnected

Subdivision Violations:
Out of 80 buildings visited, 50 were immediately closed for lacking proper subdivision permits. This comes as the Harare mayor, Clr Jacob Mafume, has said that there is a need to deal with the issue of so-called malls, which are randomly subdivided without adherence to set standards.

https://zimbabwenow.co.zw/articles/15771/harare-master-plan-targets-fake-cbd-malls-as-fire-risks-and-informality-soar

The operation comes on the back of safety concerns and unregulated commercial activity, as highlighted in the initial Zim Now report.

“We urge business people and building owners in the CBD to immediately regularize their operations with the City of Harare to ensure total compliance,” said the City in a public statement.

This marks a significant escalation in the city’s attempt to enforce its 2025–2045 Master Plan, which aims to modernize Harare’s urban core and tackle rampant violations.

Stay with Zim. Now for rolling updates on this developing story.