The City of Harare has warned property owners and occupiers to urgently repair and maintain dilapidated and unsightly buildings, saying enforcement measures will be taken against non-compliant properties.
In a notice, the local authority said all properties and premises within the city must be maintained in a safe, structurally sound, sanitary, orderly, and visually acceptable condition.
The notice, issued under Chapter 2, Sections 48 and 49 of the Model Building By-Laws, 1977, covers buildings and surrounding areas, including yards, boundary walls, fences, pavements, access ways and external works.
The council said boundary walls facing public roads and pedestrian routes must be properly maintained and fitted with suitable external lighting to improve visibility, pedestrian safety, and security at night.
Property owners, occupiers, and other responsible persons who have previously been served with statutory notices or abatement orders have been directed to undertake necessary repairs, renovations, repainting, refurbishment, and cleaning to bring their properties into compliance.
The council further said proof of compliance must be submitted to the Department of Works, City Architect’s Division, Building Inspectorate, Room 8, Cleveland House, together with a valid Certificate of Occupation in accordance with the Model Building By-Laws.
The local authority warned that it reserves the right to institute penalties and other enforcement measures against owners, occupiers or responsible persons whose properties remain non-compliant, without further notice.