Illegal billboards to be pulled down: Govt, counci...

Illegal billboards to be pulled down: Govt, council say

Zim Now Writer

A joint ultimatum from the office of the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the City of Harare has ordered the removal of all unlicensed billboards in Harare within 48 hours.

The statement also bars unlicensed advertising and posters on street lights and other municipal property and announces that the companies that have the rights to sell advertising on solar street lights can only do so if they keep the lights in repair and functioning.

The three’s statement noted the rampant corruption and the mushrooming of both legal and illegal billboards, including directional signage on state and council road verges.

The statement said according to the Government Billboard Policy and the City of Harare (Control of Advertising Signs) By Laws,1981, it is illegal to erect billboards or any structure within the City of Harare area of jurisdiction or along all State roads without a valid permit and approved plans.

Those approved were supposed to respect the needed distances between billboards and also the positioning of the potential obstructions.

“In this regard, all unlicensed operators are advised to remove the said illegal signage and billboards within 48 hours from the date of this notice.

Failure to do so, the municipality will promptly remove any illegal billboards identified within the city while the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development will remove all those along the State roads.

“The cost of removal will be borne by the owners of these billboards and signage. This also applies to illegal signage and posters on council streetlights and street furniture.

“Owners found to be in violation of the regulations will be subject to hefty fines and penalties as outlined in the City of Harare (Control of Advertising Signs) By-laws,” said the statement.

Non-compliance, the statement said, may also prompt further legal action.

“Defying the notice and the City of Harare shall proceed to evoke the provisions of Section 20 as read with Section 29B of the aforementioned by law, that is to say City of Harare will remove the said illegal, billboards or wall murals and charge the removal cost incurred to the affected entities.

“Harare Metropolitan Province, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the City of Harare jointly herein place great importance on maintaining the safety and visual appeal of our cityscape for the benefit and enjoyment of all motorists, residents and visitors,” said the statement.

“We urge all billboard owners and commercial promoters to familiarise themselves with the applicable regulations and obtain the necessary permits to ensure compliance.

"Please note that all billboard companies that have applied for regularisation will still be required to submit the above documentation while their issues are being investigated and considered.

“All companies that have existing street light pole advertising contracts have to ensure that the solar installed streetlights on which they are advertising are in good working order as per agreement.

"The City of Harare is giving such companies 30 days notice to ensure that they repair and maintain all the solar streetlights.

“Investigations are now underway for those who acquired permits corruptly, whilst the enforcement exercise will commence on July 26, 2023.”