Harare City Reports Only Receiving Fees From 187 Out Of More Than 5 000 Billboards

Harare City Losing Millions In Billboards Revenue

During tense parliamentary hearings this week, officials disclosed that while Harare only collects fees from 187 legally registered billboards, an estimated 5,000 unauthorised structures operate throughout the city without contributing to municipal coffers.

The revelations emerged during a special session with the Parliamentary Portfolio on Public Accounts Committee, where Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume and other city leaders faced tough questioning about financial mismanagement.

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Officials Accused of Profiting From Illegal Structures

Committee Chairperson Chalton Hwende exposed disturbing details about the billboard scandal:

When pressed about enforcement, city administrators claimed they lacked proper equipment like cranes to remove illegal structures. However, evidence suggests some officials actually operate these billboards and pocket the profits.

This admission points to systemic corruption within the city’s administration, with municipal workers allegedly protecting illegal operators in exchange for kickbacks rather than enforcing compliance.

The billboard issue represents just one facet of Harare’s revenue collection crisis. The city has simultaneously failed to regulate illegal pirate taxis operating near municipal offices, unlicensed tuckshops avoiding fee payments and other unauthorised commercial activities.

Auditor-General reports indicate these widespread compliance failures stem from corrupt arrangements between business operators and city employees.

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Calls for Immediate Anti-Corruption Action

The parliamentary committee has demanded urgent reforms, including a comprehensive investigation into officials involved in illegal billboard operations. They called for immediate procurement of equipment to remove unauthorised structures and and overhaul of the city’s revenue collection systems. Parliament also called for strict disciplinary measures against corrupt employees.