The City of Harare has issued a public notice warning owners of 465 dilapidated and unsightly buildings to comply with city by-laws within 14 days or face enforcement action.
The notice, dated 27 January 2026, states that the buildings were identified across the city as non-compliant under Chapter 2, Sections 48 and 49 of the Model Building By-Laws of 1977, read together with applicable statutory instruments.
According to the city, the affected properties fall under commercial, institutional and industrial use. Council said all such buildings are required to meet existing laws and regulations related to approved use, structural safety, appearance and general aesthetics.
The City of Harare called on property owners and building occupants who had previously been issued statutory notices, known as abatement orders, to take immediate action to address the concerns raised.
“These owners are required to undertake the necessary renovation, repainting and refurbishment works,” the notice said.
Council further instructed affected parties to submit proof of compliance to the City Architect’s Office, Building Inspectorate, Room 8, once the required works have been completed.
The notice also reminded property owners that, in terms of Chapter 2, Section 44 of the Model Building By-Laws of 1977, all submissions must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Occupation.
Property owners were granted a 14-day grace period from the date of publication of the notice to comply with the requirements set out by council.
The City of Harare warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period will result in enforcement action being taken by council without further notice. The notice was issued by Engineer P. M. Moyo, the Acting Town Clerk, from Town House, under the city’s “Be the Sunshine – Towards a world class city” campaign.
