Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
RUSAPE Town Council has issued a stern warning to illegal businesses operating in the town, giving them an ultimatum to shut down or regularise their operations by January 30, 2025.
This move comes after legitimate businesses expressed outrage over the council’s inaction against illegal operators, some of whom are even setting up shop right in front of premises of compliant businesses.
The council’s crackdown began last week with a blitz on unregistered restaurants and street food vendors, many of which were operating in unsanitary conditions that posed a risk to public health.
Additionally, some industrial businesses have been illegally setting up shop in residential areas, such as motor mechanics who have converted their homes into garages, causing disruptions to traffic flow.
“Notice hereby given to all individuals operating tuck-shops, mobile cash cabins, welding, carpentry, LP gas cubicles, hair salons and business operating from containers and make shift steel or wooden structures in and around shopping centres without proper authorisation, permits or valid lease agreements with Rusape Town Council.
“As much as you are hereby directed to cease all business operations immediately, and vacate the premises no later than 30 January 2025.
Failure to comply with this notice will result in the seizure of any goods or equipment used in conducting unauthorized business activities. RTC encourages you to address this matter promptly to avoid financial and/or legal consequences,” reads the notice in part.
Rusape Town Council spokesperson, Mr Lloyd Makumana said they are targeting illegal business operating on pavements, water ways and on illegally occupied land.
“The operation is targeting those operating in illegal structures around the town. We want to promote a health environment, protect value of infrastructure and good image of the town. Illegal operators should either cease operating or regularise where it is possible.
“Order is going to be restored and every person must be on designated site and paying relevant licenses.
“Those who want to do business are urged to follow proper procedures of obtaining land from council, get development permits before construction. This is an integrated process which requires all stakeholders to work together to stop these illegal activities as they are affecting other businesses.
“No one should operate business on undesignated site, without town planning permits, business operating license, health inspections, fire inspections and other legal requirements,” said Mr Makumana.
