Government orders councils to act against unsafe buildings as Harare launches 60-day vendor drive
The Government has ordered local authorities across Zimbabwe to intensify action against dilapidated, unsafe and poorly maintained buildings, including churches, shopping centres, business complexes, industrial properties, offices and residential houses.
The directive requires councils to identify buildings and surrounding areas that have fallen into disrepair and issue abatement orders to owners and occupiers. Those orders will require repairs, renovations, repainting, cleaning and general refurbishment within periods set by law.
The move comes as Harare begins a separate 60-day programme to formalise informal traders and move them into designated vending areas. The two measures form part of a wider government campaign to restore order, improve public safety and address the deterioration of urban areas.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced the buildings crackdown during a press conference in Harare on Thursday. He said the condition of roads, lighting, shopping centres, buildings and public spaces had worsened across the country and required urgent action from both the Government and property owners.
“The Ministry has taken note of the continued deterioration of our built environment,” he said. “This includes the condition of our roads, lighting, shopping complexes, buildings and public spaces in all local authorities across the country.”
The directive covers properties in cities, towns and growth points. Councils have been told to act against buildings, boundary walls, pavements, yards and other areas considered unsafe, unsanitary, structurally weak or generally unacceptable.
Owners will be expected to bring their properties up to standard by completing repairs and renovations, removing hazardous features, improving cleanliness and repainting buildings where necessary. Boundary walls facing public roads and pedestrian routes are also expected to be maintained and fitted with suitable outside lighting to improve visibility, safety and security at night.
The Government has also ordered planning authorities to step up enforcement against illegal developments and unauthorised building work. Officials will use powers under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act to issue orders requiring those responsible to stop, correct or remedy unlawful developments.
Failure to comply with an abatement order may attract a Level Five fine, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Contraventions involving unauthorised developments may result in a fine or imprisonment of up to one year.
The national directive follows a series of warnings in Harare targeting neglected and unsightly properties. In January, the capital’s council identified 465 buildings and properties requiring remedial work. Owners were given 14 days to comply with renovation and refurbishment requirements or face enforcement action.
The council classified the affected properties as non-compliant under the Model Building By-Laws of 1977, raising concerns about structural safety, approved land use and the general appearance of buildings.
“All commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings are required to comply with prevailing laws and regulations relating to approved use, structural safety, appearance, and general aesthetics,” the council said in its notice.
The council also required owners and occupiers to submit proof of compliance to the City Architect’s Office and Building Inspectorate, together with a valid Certificate of Occupation.
The safety concerns were highlighted by a fatal building collapse in Harare’s central business district in April 2024. One person died and six others were injured after part of a building collapsed along Chinhoyi Street near Gulf Complex. The victims had taken shelter on the pavement during a hailstorm.
The deceased was identified as Yolanda Hodzi of Maridale, Norton. The injured were admitted to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. Three vehicles parked in front of the building, including a Mazda 323, a Toyota Probox and a Toyota Spade, were also damaged.
Police worked with the National Social Security Authority to establish the cause of the collapse. The incident renewed concern over ageing buildings in the city centre, many of which have received little or no major refurbishment for decades.
While councils are being instructed to enforce building standards, Harare is also under pressure to deal with informal trading in public spaces. The Government has launched a 60-day one-stop formalisation drive intended to move vendors into regulated trading areas while providing better facilities and access to financial support.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said the programme would be implemented with the City of Harare and other stakeholders. It is based on four pillars: “Legislate, Provide, Formalise and Enforce.”
The Government plans to service 100 identified vending sites across Harare’s suburbs. The sites are expected to receive potable water, ablution facilities, lighting, shelter, waste-management facilities and storage.
“A new modern satellite market for traders will be developed on the periphery of the CBD. A 60-Day One-Stop Formalisation Drive will be launched in liaison with the City of Harare and all the relevant stakeholders, while a Harare Vendors Council is established for co-management of sites and dispute resolution,” Soda said.
The proposed Harare Vendors Council will help manage vending sites and resolve disputes between traders and authorities. Vendors who formalise their operations will also be linked to financial institutions to help them obtain working capital.
A CBD Urban Management Command, chaired by the City of Harare, will oversee efforts to “Clear, Clean, Keep” the central business district in an orderly condition.
The formalisation drive follows a seven-day ultimatum issued to traders operating from undesignated sites in Harare. The clean-up operation, known as “Chenesa Harare Final”, targets vending structures and stalls in the central business district and suburban areas.
The Government says illegal vending has contributed to blocked pavements, poor sanitation, congestion and difficulties for pedestrians and formal businesses. Municipal police have been deployed to prevent traders from returning to cleared areas.
Minister Garwe said Harare’s clean-up was already under way and would not be covered by the separate 30-day amnesty being offered to vendors in other parts of the country.
“It refers to all other cities; Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe and other cities and rural district councils. Harare is in full swing, clean-up process and we are not going to disrupt that. Harare is now in the middle of a clean-up process in the central business district and the northern suburbs. We’ve done almost 60 percent of the clean-up,” he said.
Authorities are moving some traders into existing designated facilities while new markets and upgraded vending sites are being prepared. The Government says all 92 local authorities have formal vending spaces, although many of the facilities are not being used by traders who prefer busier and unauthorised locations.
“We are not saying no to vending. That is not the idea. But we are saying yes to organised development. We are aware that Harare has reached intolerable levels, deplorable levels, where there is litter everywhere,” Garwe said.
Night vending remains banned because councils do not yet have the infrastructure needed to support it safely. Existing markets are being upgraded and additional trading spaces are being constructed.
Garwe said the cost of using designated markets had also been reduced after consultations. Charges were lowered from an initial proposal of US$100 a month to US$45, while traders would be allowed to operate for six months without paying.
The Government is also expediting the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, which is intended to strengthen the enforcement of municipal by-laws and allow offences to be handled through municipal courts.
The buildings directive and the vendor formalisation programme now place responsibility on councils, property owners, traders and residents to maintain safer and more orderly urban spaces. Councils have been told to act against dangerous structures while also providing legal alternatives for informal businesses operating in streets, on pavements and in other public areas.