harare24dmin In a bold and sweeping move to restore order and improve service delivery standards in the Central Business District (CBD), the City of Harare has announced the commencement of “Operation CBD Restoration” starting today. This city-wide operation will see the closure of all businesses that are not compliant with council by-laws and regulations.
According to a public notice issued by the city authorities, Operation CBD is aimed at enforcing long-neglected building, licensing, and service compliance laws. The initiative comes in response to mounting concerns over unregulated business activities, poor infrastructure standards, and the growing disregard for municipal laws in the capital’s commercial heart.
Checklist of Compliance
Businesses are being required to meet the following six compliance criteria:
- Development Permits – Any newly constructed or ongoing development must have an approved permit. Structures built without permits will be halted and may be demolished unless owners begin the regularization process.
- Approved Building Plans – Renovated buildings, including those with recent partitions or subdivisions, must submit updated building plans. Owners without such approvals face penalties and enforcement orders.
- Certificate of Occupation (COO) – Any building in use must have a valid COO. Those without one will be penalized and required to immediately initiate the acquisition process.
- Business Licenses – All businesses operating in the CBD, across all classes (1 to 9), must possess valid licenses. Businesses operating illegally will be closed, with owners instructed to apply for licenses at Rowan Martin Building. The city promises expedited processing within a minimum of three days.
- Rates Payment – Businesses with overdue accounts—specifically those with 30 days or more outstanding in property tax, refuse collection, sewer, effluent, and water—face disconnection of services and possible closure under the Public Health Act.
- Emergency Services Compliance – All buildings must have operational emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and water hydrants. Non-compliant premises will be closed for public safety.
Legal Backing and Enforcement
City authorities will enforce the operation using a combination of by-laws and statutory instruments. These include:
Model Building By-Laws of 1977
Regional, Country and Town Planning Act
Public Health Act
Urban Councils Act
Harare By-Laws of 1975, 1994, and 2001
Officials have warned that businesses ignoring these regulations will be closed and services disconnected without further notice.
Support for Businesses
While the enforcement will be firm, the City is also offering support through a dedicated help desk at Rowan Martin Building, where business owners can receive guidance on license applications, debt repayment, and regularization procedures.
“There is a payment plan available for all licenses and penalties. This is not just about punishment—it is about bringing the CBD back into compliance and restoring dignity, safety, and functionality to our city,” said a City of Harare spokesperson.
A Call to Order
Operation CBD Restoration reflects a broader ambition by the municipality to restore Harare’s reputation as a clean, safe, and well-regulated capital city. Businesses are urged to take immediate corrective action or risk closure, penalties, and possible legal consequences.
As the July 28 deadline takes effect, Harare’s business owners, landlords, and developers face a critical turning point: comply or close.
