Chronicle EditorSharon Chimenya, Masvingo Correspondent
POLICE and municipal police in Masvingo have launched a blitz against vendors operating illegal structures outside the designated markets in the city.
This comes barely a few weeks after the Minister of Women Affairs Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Dr Sithembiso Nyoni pleaded with local authorities to bear with vendors without proper structures and a stall until the ministries rectifies the problem.
According to the report by the Health, Housing and Environmental Services Committee, the committee sought approval from the local authority to demolish the illegal structures.
“Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Housing and Social Services on illegal vendors operating outside Garikai market. It was also reported that illegal structures had been erected outside Garikai market and the committee sought council approval to demolish all illegal structures operating outside the approved market areas. It was highlighted that a joint operation with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and council would conduct the exercise,” read part of the report.
The committee has also called on the chamber secretary Mr Vitalis Shonhai to form a joint operation to deal with the illegal activities within the residential premises.
“On trading licences, the committee raised concern on illegal trading activities within residential premises in the commonage. It was agreed that council should organise joint blitz with the ZRP to combat illegal business in the residential areas.”
Meanwhile, the local authority has directed for the purchase of breathalysers to enable supervisors to scientifically prove the allegations that some of the municipal police officers were taking intoxicating substances during working hours.
Online Reporter