US$12,000 Bill For Harare Resident Who Installed Speed Hump Without Council Approval

The City of Harare has hit a resident with a US$12,000 fine for putting up a speed hump without authorisation, in breach of the Roads Act.

In a letter dated 5 December 2025, the City’s Director of Works, Isiah Chawatama, said the speed hump had been constructed without the council’s approval. The letter reads:

“It has come to my attention that the occupant or owner of 7714 Dawn View Park, Tynwald, installed a speed hump across a road without authority from the City of Harare Department of Works.

“In accordance with the Roads Act [Chapter 13:18], Part VIII, sections 46 and 47, this constitutes a violation.

“You are therefore required to report to Room 404, Fourth Floor, Cleveland House, to obtain an invoice for the penalty fees amounting to twelve thousand four hundred fifty dollars and Fifty Cents (USD 12,450.50).”

Chawatama said the homeowner has seven days to settle the penalty, or it will be charged to their rates account. He added that the speed hump must be removed within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba said residents should respect the authority of the local council under whose jurisdiction they live.

However, he described the US$12,000 penalty for installing an unauthorised speed hump as excessive. Said Shumba:

“While it is an offence to act on council property and infrastructure without seeking council approval, punishment should be reasonable to deter future violations of the council’s bylaws,” he said.

“The City of Harare has a duty to fully break down the penalty charged and refer to its approved schedule of fines in the interest of public accountability.

“If a fine is excessive, it will be contested, and it becomes an unnecessary expense to the council in lawyers’ fees, to be borne by the ratepayers.

“A resident who has no money will never be able to settle the punitive fine. Therefore, as the local authority, they should exercise restraint when enforcing council’s bylaws.”

Ward 15 councillor Tafadzwa Machirori said residents should notify their ward representative or contact the council’s roads department to ensure the proper procedures are followed before installing a speed hump.

More: The Standard

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