Harare crackdown targets malls in residential areas

The City of Harare has warned it will shut down several malls in the Avenues and surrounding suburbs after property owners converted residential buildings into commercial premises without municipal approval.

Council officials confirmed that areas such as the Avenues, Eastlea, Milton Park, Belvedere, Belgravia, and Avondale remain classified as residential zones. Despite this, numerous buildings have been demolished or repurposed into malls to generate higher rental income, with very few owners formally notifying the city of these changes.

Harare City spokesperson Stanley Gama said the ongoing Central Business District (CBD) Order Restoration Operation will soon extend beyond the city centre to residential and industrial areas.

"The operation has intensified. After completing inspections in the CBD, we will move to industrial zones and residential areas like the Avenues, where buildings have been converted into business premises. Any malls operating without proper approval will be closed," Gama said.

He added that businesses struggling to meet compliance requirements can visit the Rowan Martin Building to negotiate payment plans.

The clampdown follows the July 28 launch of Operation CBD Order Restoration, an enforcement drive targeting non-compliant businesses across the capital. To date, the council has shut down 1,830 illegal businesses.

Council data shows 1,471 businesses were trading without licences, 534 buildings were in arrears, and water supplies were cut off from 81 properties. Structural safety remains a concern, with 609 buildings lacking approved plans and 744 operating without subdivision permits. Fire safety is also under review, with 125 buildings found to have expired fire extinguishers. By contrast, 3,814 properties were reported to be fire certified.

Despite the challenges, revenue collection has improved. "Revenue collection efficiency on consolidated bills (CBD–Quadrant A) increased by 21%. Licensing compliance has improved to 66%, and adherence to model building by-laws and the Shop Licences Act now averages 90%. Our target is 100% compliance," Gama said.

The council acknowledged that the operation, initially expected to end by September 30, 2025, will take longer as inspections continue across the city.

"We therefore urge all industrialists and business operators to comply with city officials as they carry out their mandate," Gama added.