Harare’s central business district (CBD) is undergoing one of the largest compliance crackdowns in recent years, with the City of Harare confirming that 463 commercial establishments have been closed over the past two weeks. The sweeping exercise, part of the municipality’s ongoing “CBD Order Restoration Initiative,” seeks to restore order, improve safety standards, and address widespread illegal operations within the capital.
The operation began three weeks ago, with city inspectors conducting checks on business licenses, building plans, fire safety equipment, and municipal service accounts. Officials say the blitz is not aimed at driving businesses out of operation but rather to enforce long-neglected regulations that ensure the CBD functions as a safe and orderly commercial hub.
“Harare cannot prosper if its CBD is left to deteriorate into lawlessness,” a municipal spokesperson said. “This operation is about creating an environment where businesses thrive under fair conditions and residents are safe in properly maintained buildings.”
Municipal records reveal that the bulk of closures involved companies operating without valid licenses. Out of the 463 businesses affected, 413 were found to have no current operating licenses, effectively rendering them illegal. Authorities said this represents the largest category of violations identified in the exercise.
In addition, 141 properties were flagged for delinquent water accounts, some with arrears stretching back years. The council argued that failure to settle such debts compromises service delivery, as the city depends on revenue from rates and bills to provide essential services.
Harare City Council Shuts Down 463 Non-Compliant Businesses in Major CBD Cleanup Operation
Structural violations also featured prominently. Sixty-five buildings were operating without approved architectural plans, raising concerns about their safety and compliance with building codes. A further 50 establishments were found using expired or faulty fire safety equipment, exposing both customers and workers to serious risks.
Equally troubling, inspectors discovered that 111 of the shuttered businesses were operating in illegally subdivided commercial spaces. Large offices and shops had been partitioned into smaller cubicles, often with poor ventilation, inadequate fire exits, and no municipal approval. These illegal modifications, officials say, not only create hazards but also distort fair rental practices within the CBD.
While the crackdown has forced many businesses to shut their doors, city officials highlighted progress in other areas. According to council data, at least 783 buildings in the city centre currently comply with fire safety regulations, having up-to-date certification.
“We acknowledge the effort of those property owners and businesses who have taken it upon themselves to comply with municipal standards,” the spokesperson said. “Our call to all operators is to regularise their businesses immediately to avoid unnecessary disruption.”
Authorities stressed that compliance is not merely a bureaucratic exercise but a critical component of maintaining a safe, functional city. “Expired fire extinguishers, unsafe structures, and unpaid municipal accounts are not trivial issues. They put lives at risk and undermine the city’s long-term development,” the spokesperson added.
The CBD Order Restoration Initiative is designed to tackle multiple layers of urban disorder simultaneously. Enforcement teams are focusing on:
-
Licensing and documentation: Ensuring every business operating in Harare is properly registered and licensed.
-
Building integrity: Verifying that properties meet approved structural and architectural standards.
-
Fire safety: Checking that fire prevention systems, including extinguishers, alarms, and escape routes, are functional and up to date.
-
Municipal arrears: Pressing property owners to settle outstanding water and service bills that compromise city finances.
Authorities say these measures are part of a broader urban renewal strategy aimed at making Harare a more attractive city for investment, tourism, and local commerce.
While the initiative has been welcomed by some as long overdue, it has also triggered concern among traders and property owners who argue that the closures disrupt livelihoods in an already challenging economic climate.
Small-scale operators, particularly those renting subdivided spaces, say they feel unfairly targeted and have called for the city to offer support or grace periods before imposing closures. “We want to be compliant, but the processes are costly and time-consuming,” said one CBD shop owner who asked not to be named.
In response, council officials maintain that the rules are clear and have been in place for years. They argue that operators who ignored previous notices left the municipality with no choice but to take decisive action.
City authorities have confirmed that regular compliance inspections will continue over the coming weeks. More businesses could face closure if they fail to meet licensing, safety, and structural requirements. However, the council has also encouraged affected traders to rectify their issues quickly so that their establishments can reopen.
“The goal is not permanent closure but compliance,” the municipal spokesperson said. “Those who regularise their operations will be allowed to resume business without delay.”
The closure of 463 businesses signals the seriousness with which Harare is approaching the restoration of order in its CBD. For city authorities, the exercise is about re-establishing proper standards and safeguarding public safety. For business owners, it is a wake-up call to meet compliance obligations or risk being shut out of one of Zimbabwe’s busiest commercial centres.
As the campaign continues, its long-term success will likely depend on whether the council can strike a balance between strict enforcement and supporting businesses through the compliance process.
Source- iHarare
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
