City Of Harare Orders Owners To Fix Dilapidated Buildings Or Face Penalties

The City of Harare has ordered all property owners and occupiers to repair dilapidated and unsightly buildings and surroundings or face enforcement action.

In a public notice issued on 19 August, Acting Town Clerk Warren Chiwawa said all properties within the city must be maintained in a safe, structurally sound, sanitary, orderly and visually acceptable condition.

“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in terms of Chapter 2, Sections 48 and 49 of the Model Building By-Laws, 1977, read together with all applicable legislation and statutory instruments, that all properties and premises within the City of Harare are required to be maintained in a safe, structurally sound, sanitary, orderly and visually acceptable condition,” reads the notice.

“This requirement applies without limitation to all building types, structures, developments and their surrounding areas, including yards, boundary walls/fences, pavements, access ways, external works and other areas forming part of the property.

“ALL boundary walls facing public roads and pedestrian routes shall be appropriately maintained and must be provided with suitable external lighting to enhance visibility, pedestrian safety and security during hours of darkness.

“The City of Harare accordingly calls upon all property owners, occupiers and responsible persons, particularly those previously served with statutory notices or Abatement Orders, to undertake all necessary repairs, renovations, repainting, refurbishment, cleaning and general improvement works required to bring their properties and surroundings into full compliance.

“Proof of compliance shall 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 Chapter 2, Section 44 of the Model Building By-Laws, 1977.

“The City of Harare reserves the right to institute appropriate enforcement measures including penalties against any non-compliant property, owner, occupier or responsible person, in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, without further notice.”

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