‘Harare is losing US250k per day to space barons’

‘Harare is losing US250k per day to space barons’

Online Reporter

Space barons operating in Harare are prejudicing the city of US$250 000 per day, a top Government official has said.
In a statement, Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Tafadzwa Muguti said the money is being collected from vendors and informal traders.
He intimated on an operation meant to stop the bleeding.
“For some time now there has been a public outcry on the continued highjacking of council markets by criminals abusing political parties affiliation and name dropping. We estimate that in excess of USD250,000 a day is being collected from desperate vendors and traders by these criminal syndicates commonly referred to as space barons,” said Mr Muguti.
Places that have been taken over by the said space barons include the Urban Renewal Project land in Mbare, Mupedzanhamo, Mbare Musika, CocaCola Market, GlenView Home Industries, Jambanja and several open Markets.
“The Province has also seen an increase in businesses operating without council and Government permits especially in the Central Business District and medium to low density suburbs. These include retail stores, bottle stores, night clubs, lodges, hair saloons, car sales, restaurants & companies in offices,” said Mr Muguti.
To deal with the scourge, a Task Force led by the Office of Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution is set to descend on space barons and unregistered businesses.
The Task Force comprises of 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.
Businesses have been given 14 days to regularize their businesses or face closure.