By Correspondent
Shop owners and traders in the CBD are being extorted by Council officials as the city conducts Operation Restore Order.
Council has shut down hundreds of shops in the CBD as it seeks to curb the growth of remodelled commercial properties.
Owners and operators are being required to follow due process.
This involves obtaining shop licenses, permits for new structures, and various other formal requirements.
The council says many buildings have been remodelled and partitioned to serve purposes for which they were not originally built.
All this has been happening without any Council oversight.
“Tikurohwa Mari”
However, some Council officials have taken advantage of the operation to swindle money from desperate shop owners and traders.
“Haa tiri kurohwa mari Cde.
“Council officials are demanding from US$20 to US$50 so that they allow you to remain open for one week.
“After that, they return with threats to shut down the shop unless you follow due process.
“It’s a frustrating situation because, as it is we don’t have money for the licenses, so we have to pay the demanded fees,” said one trader.
Another trader added that the operation has emboldened officials to be more brazen in demanding money from traders.
“Previously, one could get away with giving them US$5 but due to this operation, they now refuse such flimsy amounts.
“We hope it comes to an end soon,” added another shop owner.
Council Digging In
Council task enforcement chairperson, Edgar Dzehonye, was quoted as stating that all business owners must adhere to the Council bylaws.
This includes meeting requirements on licensing, partition regulations, and property tax obligations.
“On Monday alone, we inspected 295 business premises, and 121 were non-compliant; they had no business licenses at all, so we closed them down.”
“Additionally, 16 buildings were disconnected from municipal services due to non-payment of the consolidated revenue bill.”
Dzehonye noted that many buildings had illegal partitions without approval, and about 45% failed to meet fire safety regulations.
In a bid to make the process of regularisation faster, the Council has set up a one-stop shop for license applications.
Unlike before, processing of the papers is now expected to take two days.
“Our message is clear: businesses must ensure they comply with partition regulations, trading licenses, and payment of the consolidated bill before our next visit.
Clamping Down On Illegalities
In a public notice, Acting Town Clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo said the operation aims to enforce compliance with city by-laws across the CBD, industrial areas and suburbs.
“The City of Harare is clamping down on lawlessness and illegal business operations in and around the city.
“The City Health Department shall inspect premises and shut down those operating without running water, in contravention of the Public Health Act.
“Those without valid business licenses are urged to urgently visit Rowan Martin Building to regularise their operations and clear any arrears,” he added.
Many buildings in the CBD have been illegally transformed into small cubicles, which are then rented out to various traders.
However, with this operation, many are now at risk of being shut down.
