We have to be mindful that most of the buildings in the CBD are owned by pension funds,” he said.“They also affect pensions. We need a solution, we need to identify places for vendors to operate from in the CBD, where they will also pay rates.” PROPERTY owners in Harare central business district (CBD) have voiced concern over the proliferation of vendors who are selling the same wares as them and their tenants in front of their buildings. The property owners were speaking during the City of Harare 2026 to 2030 Strategic Planning stakeholder consultative meeting at Golden Conifer on Monday.
They said this was pushing some of them to move out of the CBD to outlying suburbs, resulting in vacant buildings. “We find ourselves in a vicious circle where the council needs to collect rates from us and at the same time we are unable to pay those rates on time because our business and that of our tenants is being affected by these vendors,” said one of the property The property owner also said that they have had to contend with increases in property tax over the years. “Most of these buildings, especially office buildings, are vacant yet the tax bill remains high,” she said.
Another property owner said most buildings are half empty, but when it comes to rates, the City of Harare wants its payment in full. He said shops and shopping centres that are being developed outside the CBD are also attracting their tenants because they do not have problems with vendors. “That also affects the rent that we charge. We have to be mindful that most of the buildings in the CBD are owned by pension funds,” he said.
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