Businesses must pay compliance fees to councils

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has raised concern over the growing number of businesses operating without licences and registration certificates, warning that the trend is depriving the local authority of critical revenue while exposing residents to significant public health risks.

According to a report presented during a recent full council meeting, health inspectors conducted 1,715 inspections across the city in April and uncovered widespread violations relating to licensing, hygiene standards and food safety regulations.

Businesses found operating without the required documentation included supermarkets, butcheries, restaurants, bottle stores, hardware shops and hair salons.

Councillors expressed concern that unlicensed operators were not only denying the city much-needed revenue through unpaid compliance fees but were also creating unfair competition for businesses that comply with municipal regulations.

They further warned that the operation of unregulated food outlets posed a direct threat to public health, calling for continued enforcement action against non-compliant businesses.

Among the most alarming discoveries made during the inspections was the seizure of approximately 1.5 tonnes of rotten elephant meat found at a primary school.

Council inspectors also confiscated 128 kilogrammes of uninspected meat from a butchery in Barbourfields suburb.

In addition, officials found businesses selling expired food products, cooking oil repackaged in unsuitable containers and food items with damaged packaging or altered expiry dates.

The findings have intensified calls for stricter monitoring and enforcement measures to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products entering the market.

Councillors urged council officials to maintain pressure on illegal operators and ensure that all businesses meet the required health and licensing standards.

They noted that compliance fees paid by businesses play a critical role in funding municipal services and infrastructure, making enforcement essential not only for public safety but also for the city's financial sustainability.

The crackdown comes as local authorities across Zimbabwe adjust to recent government directives aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

The Government recently approved significant reductions in regulatory fees, licence charges and other compliance costs to encourage formalisation, boost profitability and attract investment.

Daniel Garwe has urged businesses and residents to report councils that fail to implement the revised fee structures approved by Government.

According to Garwe, the reductions are intended to encourage compliance while creating a more attractive business environment for existing and prospective investors.

The minister has also stressed the importance of local authorities supporting national efforts to improve Zimbabwe's competitiveness as an investment destination.

As Bulawayo intensifies inspections and enforcement activities, council officials say the focus remains on protecting public health, ensuring fair business practices and safeguarding municipal revenue needed to deliver essential services to residents.