Harare closes 1,830 businesses in CBD operation
The City of Harare has announced that 1,830 businesses have been shut down in the Central Business District (CBD) as part of its ongoing Operation CBD Order Restoration. The update was provided on Thursday, following an assessment of compliance carried out up to 15 September 2025.
Crackdown on non-compliant businesses
According to the City of Harare, officials stated that the crackdown was necessary to maintain order and ensure compliance with municipal regulations.
In a detailed statement, the City revealed:
“As at 15th September 2025, the City of Harare continues to urge business people and building owners in the CBD to immediately regularise their operations with the City to ensure total compliance.”
The City confirmed that 1,471 businesses were found operating without licences, while 534 buildings were in arrears. Authorities also noted that 609 properties were functioning without approved building plans.
Water cuts and fire safety concerns
The update also highlighted that 81 buildings had their water disconnected. A further 125 buildings were identified as having expired fire extinguishers, while 744 lacked subdivision permits.
Officials pointed out that compliance was not universal. The City confirmed that 2,712 buildings had approved building plans and 3,814 had up-to-date fire certification.
The municipality emphasised the importance of addressing safety risks, particularly those related to expired fire extinguishers and inadequate fire certification.
“Building owners are encouraged to regularise their compliance issues, including fire safety, to avoid disruption of services,” the City of Harare stated.
Regularisation programme underway
The announcement was made during a CBD operation update meeting on 15 September 2025. The same meeting also reviewed rented accommodation and the regularisation of dysfunctional settlements.
The City warned that the operation would continue until all business owners complied.
“This is not a one-off blitz. It is an ongoing exercise to bring order in the city,” officials said.
The campaign has triggered debate among business owners and tenants in the CBD. Many say they are being forced to comply under tight deadlines, while the City maintains that the move is necessary for urban order and safety.
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The post Harare Shuts 1,830 CBD Businesses In Operation Order Restoration appeared first on iHarare News.
