City of Harare Mayor…Cllr Jacob Mafume
Staff Writer
The City of Harare has given business operators and property owners 48 hours to remove unauthorised advertising signs, wall murals and under-awning signs in the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding commercial areas.
In a public notice dated 15 October 2026, the City of Harare said the exercise was part of Operation Chenesa Harare, which aims to restore order and promote a clean, safe and well-organised city.
“The City of Harare advises all business operators and property owners to remove unauthorised wall murals and under-awning/verandah signs within the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding commercial areas,” the local authority said.
The council said all advertising signs must have valid permits and approved plans in accordance with the Harare (Control of Advertising Signs) By-Law.
“To promote uniformity, the approved signage dimensions are,” the City of Harare said, specifying that under-awning and verandah signs should measure 0.9 metres by 0.3 metres, while facade signs above shop entrances should measure 1.2 metres by 0.4 metres.
The local authority said affected businesses were required to remove unauthorised signage within 48 hours of the notice, with particular attention being given to First Street and surrounding areas.
“Failure to comply will result in Council removing the signs at the expense of the respective businesses,” the City of Harare warned.
Businesses requiring assistance have been advised to visit the Director of Urban Planning Services at Rooms 309/310, Third Floor, Cleveland House, Harare.