Harare City Council Shuts Down Nearly 200 Businesses In 2 Days Of Operation Restore Order

Harare Shuts Nearly 200 CBD Businesses In Massive Crackdown

Nearly 200 businesses in central Harare were closed within just two days, as the City of Harare launched Operation Restore Order, a sweeping campaign aimed at restoring order in the capital’s commercial district.

The operation, which started on 29 July 2025, targeted unlicensed and non-compliant businesses operating in the Central Business District (CBD), with city officials inspecting dozens of properties for violations ranging from fire hazards to illegal internal partitions.

City targets safety and licensing breaches

According to a statement published on the City of Harare official Facebook page at 19:57 on 30 July 2025, the blitz was aimed at flushing out businesses operating outside council by-laws.

“The Harare City Council is cracking down on non-compliant businesses in the Central Business District (CBD) under the ‘CBD Restore Order’ initiative,” the post read.
“The operation which commenced yesterday saw council visiting dozens of business premises and closing at least 190 non-compliant businesses in the two days.”

Many of the affected premises had reportedly failed to obtain basic documentation such as business licences, fire compliance certificates, and health clearances.

Mr Edgar Dzehonye, Chairperson of the taskforce spearheading the crackdown, revealed that structural irregularities were widespread.

“We noted from the exercise that a number of buildings have been partitioning without necessary authority,” he said.
“We have given them an opportunity to make sure that they regularise their illegal partitions.”

Fire safety violations rampant

Mr Dzehonye also said nearly half the buildings inspected were not compliant with fire regulations. Some were operating without extinguishers or basic fire safety systems in place, posing a serious risk to both staff and customers.

“Forty-five percent of the buildings inspected were non-compliant with fire regulations,” he said.
“Some businesses are endangering people’s health and safety by operating without fire extinguishers and compulsory fire safety installations.”

City offers payment plans for struggling businesses

Mr Dzehonye stressed that the council is open to working with struggling businesses by offering flexible payment terms.

“If you don’t have money to offset the required business licence fees, you can negotiate for a payment plan,” he said.
“You will be granted the authority after getting the necessary authorisation.”

The Facebook statement further explained that this operation forms part of a wider strategy to restore order and improve revenue collection in Harare’s commercial zones.

So far, 190 businesses have been shut down, and further inspections are expected as the council continues to enforce compliance.st 200 Shops In 2 Days