The Harare City Council is taking strong action against indoor meetings and illegal churches that do not have licenses of assembly.
According to the Herald, in the central business center, where numerous churches, pubs, and schools are disregarding safety requirements, the council is working to bring order back.
Although freedom of religion is guaranteed by Zimbabwe’s Constitution, all indoor gathering spaces must adhere to certain requirements, such as having emergency exits, ventilation, and restrooms. Certificates outlining the maximum number of individuals permitted to congregate at any one time are awarded to those who comply.
Indoor facilities, including churches, have two months to acquire the required certifications or risk being forcibly removed.
Residents of Harare have been complaining about the growth of unlawful gathering spots, which has prompted this action.
The city council has issued a warning to those in charge of indoor gathering places, such as schools, churches, and sports clubs, to take notice and comply with the regulations.
Building owners are encouraged to visit the council’s building inspectorate offices, according to Eng. Moyo, since noncompliance will result in penalty penalties being applied to the owners’ rates account.
Additionally, the city is cracking down on any structures that have been occupied without the proper occupancy permits.
According to Eng. Moyo, the council is aware that a number of structures have been finished and occupied without the owners obtaining Building Inspectorate Certificates of Occupation.
According to him, this is against Section 5 of the (Fees and Related Matters by-law of 1979) and Chapter 2 Section 44 of the Model By-laws of 1977.
