The City of Harare is proposing sharp increases in penalties for illegal waste disposal, with offenders facing fines of up to US$1 500 for the unlawful discharge of domestic and industrial effluent under the proposed 2027 budget.
The proposed tariffs would see the penalty for illegal discharge of domestic and industrial effluent increase from US$616 in 2026 to US$1 500 next year, representing an increase of US$884.
The local authority is also seeking to tighten its stance on illegal dumping, with fines for disposing of domestic waste from standard-sized receptacles or carts set to rise from US$36 to US$100.
Motorists found dumping domestic waste from vehicles could also face a US$300 fine, up from the current US$113, while penalties for dumping industrial and commercial waste are proposed to increase from US$385 to US$950.
The proposed adjustments represent increases of US$64, US$187 and US$565 respectively.
However, not all charges under the waste management and housing categories are earmarked for adjustment, with several fees expected to remain at their 2026 levels.
The proposed tariff schedule maintains the US$34 charge for incineration of waste collected per standard receptacle.
Similarly, housing-related charges, including Carter House accommodation, Mbare bus entry fees and housing administration fees, have been retained at their existing rates.
The proposed increases form part of the City of Harare’s 2027 budget, which is yet to undergo the approval process before the new tariffs can take effect.
