Demolished tuck shop owners count their costs

Ashley Mujoma

THE recent demolition of illegal structures at the Boka auction floors, along the Masvingo Road, has left tuck shop owners counting their costs.

But, many agree they were paying the price for erecting the structures on land not set aside for such shops.

The structures were demolished to make way for the construction of roads and to reduce overcrowding.

Tawanda Muzengeni, one of the victims, said he learnt the hard way that it’s better to follow the law to avoid losses in business.

“Sometimes, we like taking shortcuts in life without knowing that it will cost us tomorrow.

“I have learned that it’s always good to follow the law to avoid loss in business.

“I suffered a huge loss when my tuck shop was demolished and l am back to zero in terms of business,” he said.

Tinotenda Sibanda said she was planning to relocate her business to a legal area.

“I have found a place to rent which is legal. I hope that my business will pick up again,” she said.

Meanwhile, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary, Tafadzwa Muguti, has warned those building illegal infrastructure along roads and construction sites.

“We are happy with the progress taking place at Boka-Masvingo Road but we are not happy with people building illegal infrastructure along the road and on some construction sites to conduct informal trade.

“Those illegal structures will be demolished. “People should learn to follow proper procedures,” he said.