Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – Local authorities have been ordered to intensify enforcement against owners of dilapidated properties and illegal developments as the government steps up efforts to restore cleanliness, safety, and order in cities, towns, and rural growth points.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Dr. Daniel Garwe, at a press conference in Harare today, as the National Clean-Up Campaign gathers momentum across the country.
Minister Garwe said councils must immediately begin issuing abatement orders against buildings and premises that are unsafe, unsanitary, dilapidated, or otherwise considered unacceptable.
The measures will cover shopping centres, business complexes, industrial properties, office buildings, churches, and other places of worship, as well as residential properties.
“The Ministry has taken note of the continued deterioration of our built environment. This includes the condition of our roads, lighting, shopping complexes, buildings, and public spaces in all local authorities across the country,” Minister Garwe said.
He said the deterioration has been compounded by widespread violations of local authority by-laws, including trading from undesignated areas and construction without the required inspections and approvals.
In some cases, he said, developments are being undertaken without proof of ownership of the land.
Under the new enforcement drive, property owners and occupiers whose buildings, boundary walls, pavements, yards, and surrounding areas are found to be unsafe, unsanitary, or dilapidated will be required to rectify the situation within periods prescribed by law.
The Minister said owners would be expected to carry out repairs, renovations, repainting, cleaning, and refurbishment to bring their properties to acceptable standards.
An abatement order is a legal directive requiring a property owner or occupier to remedy specified conditions.
Minister Garwe warned that failure to comply could result in penalties provided for under applicable legislation, including a fine of up to Level Five, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
He also directed local planning authorities to intensify action against illegal and unregulated developments.
Planning authorities have powers under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12], including Sections 32 to 34, to deal with unauthorized developments and unlawful building works.
Where illegal developments or unauthorized modifications are identified, enforcement orders will be issued requiring responsible persons to stop, rectify, or otherwise remedy the unlawful development.
Those found in breach of relevant provisions of the law could face fines or imprisonment for up to one year, according to the applicable legislation.
Regarding vendors and hawkers, Minister Garwe said the removal of those operating from undesignated areas would continue but stressed that the government was not seeking to stop people from earning a living.
He said informal trading should instead be conducted in lawful, orderly, and safe environments.
Local authorities have consequently been directed to renovate and improve existing vending sites to make them safe and suitable for traders.
The Ministry is also expected to release amended Hawkers and Vendors By-Laws, which will introduce updated licensing and control mechanisms, including provisions covering third-party-owned vending and trading sites.
In Harare, particular attention will be paid to the Central Business District, with First Street and the surrounding downtown area identified for special focus.
Minister Garwe said First Street, as an important gateway and commercial corridor, should reflect the status and image of the capital city.
He said the clean-up campaign would not be a one-time exercise but an ongoing program encompassing restoration, enforcement, rehabilitation, and improved service delivery.
“Our cities and towns must be places where people can work, conduct business, move safely, and live in clean, orderly environments,” he said.
The program will also extend to growth points in rural areas as the government seeks to enforce standards across all local authorities.
Minister Garwe called on property owners, businesses, vendors, and residents to cooperate with local authorities in restoring clean, safe, and orderly communities.
