Zim Now Writer
The Harare City Council has issued a 14-day ultimatum demanding that all property owners and occupants rehabilitate their buildings by making necessary repairs, refurbishments, or repainting to meet council standards.
The Harare Town Clerk, Engineer Hosiah Chisango said those who fail to live up to the demands of the council will have their licences cancelled.
“We have written to the Ministry of Local Government concerning the issue, and we are hoping they’ll release a Statutory Instrument to cement the issue, which will then give us authority to withdraw the building licence for those who are failing to meet the standard.
“Chisango emphasised the dire state of some CBD buildings, pointing out that over 20 people can be found operating under one roof in facilities no longer suitable for the current occupancy.
“If anyone breaches that, we will withdraw trading licenses or close those buildings,” he said.
The council has outlined its plan to target buildings along major city roads, including Robert Mugabe Road, Jason Moyo Avenue, and Samora Machel Avenue, among others.
The targeted areas are known for heavy pedestrian and vendor traffic, which increases the safety and health risks associated with dilapidated buildings.
“We are doing thorough inspections and we are working with the police.
“We have noticed now that more than 20 or so people can be operating under one building. Now, the facilities are no longer adequate for the people in that building.
”Furthermore, the council is tackling issues with street vendors, who often spill out from overcrowded buildings, cluttering sidewalks and streets.
“We are doing that for safety issues. And there is this tendency where those people take their wares and display them outside. On that, we are working together with the police to remove vendors from the street,” he added.
Property owners have been given the option to submit their plans for the required improvements to the council, detailing what they intend to do and when.
On Saturday, a building located at corner Bank and Chinhoyi streets in Harare collapsed and four people have been confirmed to have died.
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