Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Herald Reporter
THE Global Association for Equalisation and Development has urged the City of Harare to provide designated vending sites for informal traders ahead of the September 9 deadline for vendors operating illegally on streets and at night to relocate.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe ordered vendors operating from unauthorised sites to vacate and move to lawful, designated vending markets provided by local authorities.
Speaking at a 2027 pre-budget consultative meeting for people living with disabilities, Global Association for Equalisation and Development director Mr Robert Jambaya said the city should ensure that vendors, including people living with disabilities, had access to suitable trading spaces.
“We are requesting a grace period when the operation starts, until we find an alternative vending site,” he said.
Another person living with disability appealed for council assistance as she had her house demolished in Damafalls.
She said she was given a notice before the demolition.
People living with disabilities who do night vending asked if municipal police are allowed to carry out operations at night.
“They want bribes, so we are concerned as people with hearing impairments,” he said.
A city of Harare official said they do carry out deployments in the evening.
“What is important is to ask if he is indeed a municipal officer and you should not give them bribes,” he said.
People living with disabilities also urged the city to offer free health care to them. They also urged the city to allocate them residential stands, free parking bays in the central business district and subsidised shop licences.
They also requested road signs, buildings and schools with facilities that are more friendly to them.
