Space barons are collecting an estimated US$250 thousand from vendors in Harare every day using political party names; Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Tafadzwa Muguti says.
The Secretary says there has been a public outcry on the continued highjacking of council markets by the space barons who are also using name dropping.
“Places such as the recently invaded Urban Renewal Project land in Mbare, Mupedzanhamo, Mbare Musika, Cocacola Market, Glenview Home Industries, Jambanja and several open markets are now being controlled by space barons,” Muguti said.
Space barons have been charging US$5 per two square metres in the country’s most populated metropolitan province.
Besides land barons, the Secretary also complained about businesses operating without permits in Harare.
“The Province has also seen an increase in businesses operating without council and Government permits, especially in the Central Businesses District and medium to low-density suburbs,” Muguti said.
“These include retail stores, nightclubs, lodges, hair saloons, car sales, restaurants and companies in offices.”
The secretary also gave non-compliant businesses 14 days to regularise operations in order to avoid being shut down, fined and prosecuted.
Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution will lead a task force to deal with land barons and businesses without permits
The Task Force comprises the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, NSSA, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Zimbabwe Republic Police, City of Harare, Chitungwiza Municipality, Ruwa Local Board, Epworth Local Board and the Provincial Medical Directorate.
