Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
GWERU City Council (GCC) has started accepting applications for vendors intending to occupy vending stalls across the city.
Vendors operating at Kudzanayi long distance bus terminus and Kombayi fresh produce markets complied with the directive to voluntarily move their wares and pave way for the renovation of the markets.
The city council has started compiling a list of those who want to operate from the two markets as well as other stalls in suburbs such as Mkoba, Senga, Ascot and Mtapa.
Kudzanayi long distance bus terminus will only accommodate buses, travellers and traders selling refreshments.
Those selling clothes and fresh produce will be housed at Mtapa market.
In an interview yesterday, Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe said they had started putting together a vending stall waiting list for vendors.
“We have started the process of putting a vending stall waiting list for all markets in the town. This means we have opened up space for vending stalls from Mkoba, Senga, Ascot, Mtapa, Kudzanayi and Kombayi.
However, first preference for vending stalls at the popular Kudzanayi and Kombayi will be given to the old vendors,” he said.
Cllr Makombe said to be on the waiting list, one needs to pay $72.
There are 4 000 vending stalls at Kudzanayi, Mtapa and Kombayi fresh produce market while the number of stalls at other markets was not availed immediately.
“There are over 4 000 vending stalls and one must clearly state what they want to trade in so that we avail an appropriate stall at an appropriate market. The process is going on well,” he said.
“There has been word to the effect that we want to punish vendors. On the contrary, we have our people at heart. What we are doing is creating room to upgrade these markets. People will not be moved forever as they will come back to better markets with proper ablution facilities.”
Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Larry Mavima who is also the chairperson of the provincial Covid-19 Taskforce toured the market places in the Central Business District on Monday.
“This is the beginning of bigger things to come for the vendors and council. We need to move with times and it is time we start to come up with smart city concepts. This can only be possible if we work together,” he said.
Chairperson of Gweru Traders Association Mr Everest Mbenjani said they were working with the local authority to bring sanity to their industry.
“We are waiting patiently for the new smart city concept. We hope to be back in business soon. We are just not happy that we haven’t received money from Government while we hear that other vendors in other towns have received their cash payments,” he said.
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