Mutare City Council has issued a directive to property owners in the central business district (CBD) to refurbish and repaint their buildings in preparation for the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Expo, set to run from September 10 to 12, 2025. The move comes as the eastern border city gears up to host the high-profile tourism and trade exhibition for the first time.
In a public notice released this week, the municipality expressed concern over the state of many CBD buildings, noting that prolonged neglect had left large parts of the city looking dilapidated.
“Notice is hereby given that the City of Mutare is directing all owners of buildings within the central business district to carry out necessary maintenance, that is repair/refurbish and repaint the buildings,” the council said.
Authorities stressed that the poor condition of several structures not only affects the city’s image but also violates planning regulations.
“It can be widely agreed that most buildings in the central business district have gone for a long time unattended, thereby being dilapidated. This is also in contravention of the provisions of the said Act and the operative Town Planning Scheme 1 covering the area,” the notice added.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, often described as Zimbabwe’s premier tourism trade showcase, is traditionally hosted in Bulawayo. Its relocation to Mutare is viewed as both a challenge and an opportunity for the city. The event attracts hundreds of exhibitors, international dignitaries, tourism operators, and travellers, making it a key platform for marketing the country’s attractions and forging business partnerships.
Mutare, the capital of Manicaland Province, is regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most scenic cities, thanks to its proximity to the Eastern Highlands and Mozambican border. Hosting the expo gives the city an opportunity to showcase its beauty and investment potential. However, the state of its infrastructure has raised concerns, prompting the urgent directive to property owners.
Mutare CBD Property Owners Directed to Refurbish Buildings Ahead of Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza confirmed that preparations were underway to ensure facilities meet international standards. He said the government, working closely with council and private stakeholders, was committed to upgrading Mutare ahead of the expo.
“Key facilities set to host the expo are being refurbished to meet world-class standards,” Mugadza said. “This is an opportunity for Mutare to shine, and we must all play our part in presenting the city at its best.”
Council officials echoed this sentiment, noting that restoring CBD buildings would help create a welcoming environment for investors, tourists, and delegates attending the event.
Analysts say the directive is not just about aesthetics but also about reinforcing civic pride and positioning Mutare as an attractive investment hub. A clean, well-maintained CBD is seen as vital to stimulating local business confidence and enhancing visitor perceptions.
Urban development specialist Dr. Isaac Chikore explained that infrastructure upkeep is a critical part of city branding. “Events such as Sanganai/Hlanganani bring the world’s eyes to Mutare. If the city centre looks neglected, it undermines the broader message of growth and opportunity. Refurbishing buildings is about creating a positive first impression that can translate into investment and tourism growth.”
While the council’s directive has been broadly welcomed, some property owners have expressed concerns about the costs involved, particularly given Zimbabwe’s challenging economic environment. For many, sourcing funds for renovations and repainting may prove difficult within the limited timeframe.
Council has, however, emphasized that compliance is a legal requirement under existing urban planning laws. Officials have hinted that failure to adhere to the directive could result in penalties or enforcement action.
“We appreciate the financial challenges property owners may face, but maintaining buildings is not optional. It is a legal and civic duty,” a council spokesperson said. “The benefits of a well-kept city will ultimately be shared by all residents and businesses.”
Observers believe that the preparations for the expo could provide a springboard for wider urban renewal efforts in Mutare. By enforcing building maintenance regulations, the council may set a precedent that encourages long-term improvements in the city’s infrastructure and service delivery.
If successful, the refurbishments could help Mutare position itself as a more competitive city within Zimbabwe’s urban landscape. Some business leaders have already called on the council to extend similar efforts to road maintenance, waste management, and public lighting to ensure the city’s transformation goes beyond the expo.
As the countdown to the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo continues, all eyes are on Mutare’s ability to rise to the occasion. For property owners, the directive represents both a responsibility and an opportunity—to contribute to a positive city image and benefit from the increased visibility and economic activity the event is expected to generate.
Ultimately, the success of the initiative will depend on collaboration between the council, government, property owners, and residents. If the city manages to present a vibrant and well-maintained CBD, the benefits could extend well beyond the three-day event, positioning Mutare as a more attractive destination for tourism, business, and investment in the years to come.
Source- Bulawayo24
