By a Correspondent
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of Harare, with Government warning that disorder and environmental degradation in the capital are undermining Zimbabwe’s development ambitions.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe raised the concerns during an engagement with stakeholders on the state of Harare’s Central Business District (CBD), describing the situation as unacceptable and unsustainable.
Garwe said the President and his administration were worried about the continued decline of the capital, citing congestion, illegal vending and growing environmental challenges.
“The situation we are witnessing in the Harare Central Business District can no longer be tolerated,” said Garwe.
He said the state of the capital was inconsistent with the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda of attaining upper-middle-income status, as well as the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Garwe has given vendors operating from unauthorised sites in Harare and the wider Harare Metropolitan Province until Wednesday, September 9, 2026, to vacate the streets and relocate to designated vending markets.
He warned that a comprehensive, zero-tolerance clean-up operation would begin immediately after the deadline, with illegal vending structures, stalls and trading sites set to be dismantled.
However, Garwe stressed that the exercise should not be interpreted as an attack on informal traders or residents.
“This is not a declaration of war against vendors in any form or fashion. This is not a declaration of victimisation of anybody,” he said.
He said Government recognised informal trading as an important source of livelihood but insisted that vendors must operate in compliance with municipal by-laws and at designated marketplaces.
Garwe urged traders to use the remaining grace period to voluntarily relocate to approved markets to avoid losing their merchandise during enforcement operations.
The minister also dismissed social media claims that Government intended to demolish homes across Harare, saying authorities respected citizens’ right to shelter.
“We have no desire to demolish any house. We are aware of the right to shelter,” he said.
His comments come as the City of Harare steps up enforcement against illegal structures, land occupations and businesses operating in breach of planning regulations.
The council has carried out demolitions in Highfield, including cabins and other structures operating from residential properties, while enforcement action has also been taken against illegal businesses in areas such as Highlands.
Demolitions are also continuing in areas affected by illegal land occupations. Authorities have previously confirmed the removal of temporary and permanent unauthorised structures in St Martins.
The crackdown follows Government and council warnings against illegal settlements, land invasions and construction on wetlands, road reserves and land reserved for public amenities.
Garwe recently said Harare City Council was sitting on about 5,000 house demolition orders, amid growing concern over unregulated settlements and construction on environmentally sensitive or improperly allocated land.
The City of Harare has warned that unapproved or partially built houses in illegal settlements will be demolished, while people involved in illegal land sales and construction on State or council land could face arrest and prosecution.
Government says the measures are aimed at restoring order, improving service delivery and ensuring that Harare develops as a clean, orderly and well-managed capital.
