Bulawayo to Crack Down on Illegal Trading and Restore Order in the City
In response to mounting concerns about the cleanliness and disorder caused by illegal street vendors, the Bulawayo City Council has announced plans to crack down on unlawful trading and restore order in the city next month.
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting on the informal economy, a member of Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA), Baka Ncube, emphasised the need for citizens to take action and urged the council to find a way to control those who work at night, as they are often responsible for littering the city.
She said, “Can City Council work during the night to control those who trade during the night because they litter and leave places dirty.”
Vending Licences
In a swift response to Ncube’s plea, Bulawayo Town Clerk, Christopher Dube, pledged to take action starting next month to address these issues. He encouraged all vendors to obtain a vending licence before the end of January and warned that those who continue to trade illegally will face consequences.
“We are saying, from 2 February, let’s start doing a proper thing, let’s stop unlawful trading, let’s be registered and obtain vending licences,” said Dube.
He added, “If you are not registered and trading illegally, from 2 February, we will start arresting you…let’s enforce by-laws and we will not be apologetic in enforcing By-Laws.”
Vending Bays
The council plans to create 10,000 designated vending bays throughout the city to accommodate all registered vendors. Dube stressed the importance of not overcrowding the city centre and recommended that vendors encourage customers to purchase goods in their own neighbourhoods.
“10,000 bays can accommodate everyone and we are saying don’t come to the city, where you stay, people buy vegetables and other things you are selling,” said Dube.
Meanwhile, Egodini market which is still under construction is expected to reduce vendor congestion in CBD.
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