Harare Council Threatens Action On Those Using Business Premises Closed Down During CBD Crackdown

City Of Harare Issues Strong Warning To People Using Businesses Closed Down During Operation

The City of Harare has issued a strong warning to anyone found using business premises that have been closed during the ongoing Operation CBD Order Restoration.

Warning Against Accessing Closed Premises

In a statement, Acting Town Clerk Eng. P. M. Moyo said the council would take serious action against those accessing shut-down businesses.

He declared:

“It is an offence, without reasonable excuse, to access the premises in breach of a closure notice or order. It is also an offence to obstruct City of Harare authorised officers or members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) issuing an order or securing premises, or to contravene a compliance order.”

Moyo further stated that both prosecution and penalties would be enforced against offenders.

“Appropriate action including prosecution and penalisation of the offenders will be pursued by Council and the state enforcement agency,” he added.

Operation CBD Order Restoration

The city launched Operation CBD Order Restoration on 28 July 2025 to bring businesses in the Central Business District (CBD) in line with council by-laws.

According to the City of Harare, all non-compliant businesses have been shut down. The operation, which initially covered buildings, shops, and offices in the CBD, will end on 31 September 2025 before being rolled out across the entire city.

The Acting Town Clerk explained:

“The operation will now spread to the industrial areas (heavy and light industries) and commercial service centres effective 1 September 2025. We therefore urge all industrialists and business operators to comply with the City officials as they carry out their mandate.”

Compliance And Enforcement

The council has also called on business and property owners to ensure they are in full compliance with the law.

Moyo said:

“Business and shop owners are requested to comply with the Members of the Joint Operation CBD Order Restoration. Council is appealing to building owners to avail upon visit by the team, copies of their approved development permits and building plans to avoid unnecessary business interruptions.”

The City of Harare also revealed that since the start of the operation:

1,202 business licences (new and renewals) have been issued.
536 businesses were given Fire Compliance Certificates.
11 buildings were granted Certificates of Occupation.

Council also reported that revenue collection efficiency on consolidated bills within CBD Quadrant A increased by 21%, while licensing compliance improved to 66%. Compliance with model building by-laws and shop licence regulations is now averaging 90% in the targeted area.

The city has established a One Stop Shop Desk at Rowan Martin Building for licences, fire certificates, occupation certificates, and building regularisation.

Moyo concluded by urging full cooperation:

“To avoid inconveniences of having businesses closed, we urge operators in industrial and commercial areas to immediately visit our Rowan Martin offices to ensure maximum compliance.”