Over 450 Harare shops closed over licences, regulations

THE Harare City Council has closed 463 shops suspected of operating without licences or violating urban regulations.

The closures, which began earlier this month, are part of an ongoing effort to crack down on unregulated commerce and ensure compliance with local laws.

On Monday, council operation enforcement chairperson Edgar Dzehonye told NewsDay that shop owners have to comply with inspection protocols, amid growing co-operation.

“Our message is that for those we are yet to visit, they must comply beforehand,” he said.

“We need to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.”

Dzehonye acknowledged encountering isolated instances of resistance, which they plan to address through continued engagement and enforcement.

“The response from shop owners is overwhelming and pleasing,” he said.

“We, however, face isolated cases of resistance here and there.

“The resistance is, however, short-lived because we invoke the law.”

NewsDay