Government has directed all 92 local authorities to immediately intensify enforcement of by-laws governing vending, hawking, business licensing, property maintenance and the use of public spaces.
Speaking in a board meeting, yesterday, in Harare, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said councils must ensure that existing laws and regulations are enforced consistently.
“Government has directed all 92 local authorities to immediately intensify the enforcement of by-laws governing vendors, hawkers, business licensing, property maintenance and public spaces,” Garwe said.
He stressed that local authorities had a responsibility to ensure properties and public spaces were maintained in a manner that protects public safety and promotes orderly communities.
“Under the Model By-laws of 1977 and the Housing Standards Control Act (Chapter 29:08), property owners are required to keep their premises safe, sanitary and orderly. Where properties fail to meet these requirements, abatement orders will be issued,” he said.
Garwe indicated that the measures would target unsafe and dilapidated structures, including buildings, boundary walls, pavements and yards that pose risks to residents and the public.
“Abatement orders will be issued against unsafe and dilapidated buildings, boundary walls, pavements and yards. Property owners must understand that maintaining their premises is not optional; it is a legal responsibility,” he said.
The Minister also directed local planning authorities to take action against illegal developments in line with the Regional Town and Country Planning Act.
“Local planning authorities will also act against illegal developments under the Regional Town and Country Planning Act.
“We cannot allow developments to proceed outside approved planning frameworks because this undermines orderly urban development and puts communities at risk,” Garwe added.
He informed that Government’s enforcement drive would extend to vending and hawking activities, with councils expected to ensure that traders operate from designated and properly managed areas.
“Cleanup operations will extend nationwide, with vending sites being renovated and vendors being urged to apply for the necessary permits,” Garwe said.
Furthermore, Minister Garwe advised that vending would be permitted within specified operating hours to ensure that trading activities remained orderly while minimising disruption to communities and businesses.
“Vending hours will be from 0600 hours to 1800 hours in town centres, while in residential areas vending will be permitted from 0600 hours to 2000 hours,” he said.
Garwe maintained the objective was not to prevent people from earning a living, but to ensure that economic activities complied with regulations and did not compromise public safety or orderly development.
“Government insists that vending must be lawful, orderly and safe. Vendors who wish to operate must obtain the appropriate permits and use designated spaces,” he said.
Meanwhile, the enforcement programme will continue to be implemented across the country as local authorities move to improve compliance with municipal, housing and planning regulations.
