Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
Space barons who illegally parcel vending space and intimidate small traders will face the full wrath of the law, according to Harare Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Tafadzwa Muguti.
In a statement on Thursday, Mr Muguti said several space barons behind the violent clashes in Mbare on Tuesday have been arrested.
Two rival gangs clashed at Mupedzanhamo Market before police intervened to restore order.
“Our province is at present battling with these space barons who hide behind political lines working with corrupt officials to fleece traders,” he said.
“The same people have now created mafia-styled syndicates that violently take over parking spaces, bus stops, markets and intimidate vendors.”
He called on Harare City Council to venture into Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the development of modern marketplaces for traders.
“The Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution has since engaged City of Harare on the reopening of their Mupedzanhamo Market, the construction of a state-of-the-art SME complex at Shawasha Grounds and the immediate reconstruction of a modern Glen View Furniture Industrial Park, which recently burnt down for the eleventh time.”
Government, he added, had engaged City of Harare, Chitungwiza Municipality, Ruwa Local Board and Epworth Local Board to consider PPPs for the development of traders’ markets and business centres in every ward.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter