Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume raises concern over the ...

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume raises concern over the state of CBD buildings

Zim Now Writer

Harare mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume has expressed concern that several buildings in the capital were hazardous and at risk of closure due to their dilapidated condition.

Following his visit to a building that collapsed on Chinhoyi Street in the central business district on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and six injuries.

Mafume said the council will inspect the standards of the buildings in the central business district.

“We are sorry for the tragedy. I am very sad about what happened. It is very unfortunate, we issued a notice just a few weeks ago about the state of buildings in the capital.

“We will inspect them with a view to close those that do not meet standards and give a timeline to revamp the buildings so that in future we do not record such tragedies,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the death of a woman identified as Yolanda Hodzi, an adult female from Maridale, Norton, was positively identified by her next of kin.

He also said three vehicles parked in front of the building sustained damage.

Last week, the City of Harare issued a 14-day ultimatum to all property owners of buildings in the CBD, requiring them to renew or regenerate their buildings and/or properties either through repairs, refurbishments and/or repainting.