His Worship the Mayor Cllr Jacob Mafume and Local Government Minister Hon Daniel Garwe will tomorrow launch the City Urban Regeneration and Decongestion Operation aimed at restoring order in the capital, reclaiming public spaces and curbing illegal trading in non-designated areas. Speaking at a meeting with Minister Garwe today, Mayor Mafume said the initiative was necessary to address growing urban management challenges, including illegal street vending, unregulated informal trading and the obstruction of public spaces. He said the operation seeks to enforce municipal by-laws while guiding traders towards structured, safe, hygienic and properly managed market spaces. “Today marks a decisive step in our collective commitment to restore order, public health and dignity to the streets of Harare,” Mayor Mafume said. He added that unregulated informal activities were affecting traffic flow, putting pressure on public health and sanitation facilities, creating security vulnerabilities and disadvantaging compliant, rate-paying businesses. He acknowledged the socio-economic challenges faced by informal traders but said economic activity could not thrive in an environment characterised by lawlessness and disorder. Mayor Mafume said clearing illegal hotspots and reclaiming public spaces would help improve mobility, safeguard public health and create an environment conducive to investment and economic growth. The operation is being implemented by the City of Harare in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and law enforcement agencies, with the Mayor calling for continued cooperation among stakeholders. He said transforming Harare into a clean, modern and efficient capital would require tough decisions, firm enforcement and continuous engagement with affected communities and businesses.
