HARARE — The Harare City Council is stepping up efforts to restore the capital’s clean and attractive image, with plans to redesign First Street in the Central Business District (CBD) as part of the ongoing Chenesa Harare clean-up campaign.

Speaking during a Chenesa Harare clean-up exercise, Harare Mayor His Worship Jacob Mafume said the council was working towards modernising the city and restoring its appeal as the “Sunshine City.”

“We have to restore First Street, to modernise and redesign buildings. We are going to redesign the pavements of First Street and make them completely granite and better aesthetic. So everything will be designed new and fresh,” said Mayor Mafume.

The proposed First Street revamp forms part of broader efforts under Chenesa Harare, which the council describes as a sustainable programme aimed at improving cleanliness and restoring order across the capital.

Mafume said the council would also continue addressing informal trading in the CBD, with designated spaces being provided for people operating outside approved areas.

He said the process would be gradual, with residents and businesses expected to comply with the designated operating areas.

The Mayor also highlighted the challenges faced by formal businesses occupying city buildings, saying they were placed at a disadvantage when informal traders operate directly in front of their shops and along pavements.

The council’s clean-up drive is therefore expected to combine improved infrastructure, cleaner public spaces and better regulation of activities within the CBD as Harare works towards creating a more organised and visually appealing city.