500 Harare buildings unsafe, 14 condemned

MORE than 500 buildings, including about 14 high-rise towers in and around Harare’s central business district (CBD), have been classified as unsafe for occupation after Harare City Council inspectors red-flagged the properties for poor ventilation, lack of emergency exits and general decay.

Over 500 abatement orders have since been issued to owners of the buildings, directing them to urgently repair their properties or risk their closure.

An abatement order is a legal document issued by a Government agency or authorised body to address a building nuisance or violation of regulations.