adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge Municipality has started relocating traders to various centres as part of the town’s modernisation programme, an official has said.
Council spokesperson Mr Raniel Ndou said in an interview last week that 79 people at Mashavire Business Centre had so far been relocated.
He said they had spent close to $25 000 in setting up the new flea market centre with standard stalls.
“So far we have relocated 79 people at Mashavire Business Centre as part of our modernisation programme,” said Mr Ndou.
“Some of these people were crammed in makeshift shelters, but now we have set up standard shelters which brings dignity to their businesses.
“The place is very accessible and has standard amenities. At the same time, we are working on upgrading other flea markets in line with our efforts to build a modern medium city.”
Mr Ndou urged other traders and vendors to regularise their operations with the local authority.
He said it was critical to zone businesses in line with modern urban development standards.
According to Mr Ndou, the town council was in the midst of identifying new and expanding existing market places to accommodate all those who had regularised their operations.
“We are looking at sprucing up new and old market places around the old bus terminus, Musina and Siyaso markets and Mashakada, Shule-Shule, Lucky Seven and Mbedzi Business Centre,” he said.
“It is also pleasing to note that the response from those willing to comply with our by-laws is overwhelming. The whole idea is to deal with illegal vendors, some of whom were operating in front of registered shops, especially in the townships.”
Mr Ndou said council would continue to engage and advise the vendors on proper registration and operational procedures.
Online Reporter