Sundaymail Editor
Nokuthula Dube
THE Harare City Council does not have the manpower to enforce the Government’s directive to remove night vendors from the streets and such an operation can only be led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has said.
Speaking in response to the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Government last week for local authorities to clear vendors from cities and towns, Cllr Mafume said the municipality would only play a supportive role in the operation.
“On the removal of vendors, the police are taking the lead,” he said.
“We, as the municipality of Harare, are following behind the lead of the police.
“We, as the city council, do not have the manpower to carry out an exercise of such magnitude.
“Neither do we have the arresting powers that such an operation requires.”
Cllr Mafume said enforcing the law was the ZRP’s constitutional mandate, and the council would only assist where possible.
“They can and have sought assistance from us to the extent of our capabilities.
“And that is what we are going to do.
“So, as and when they are ready, we will be there to enforce the law.
“We will follow the letter of the law as the law is contained in our bylaws and the relevant statutes.”
The council’s head of corporate communications, Mr Stanley Gama, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, saying the local authority would only act under police command.
“We will wait for direction from the police.
“As the city council, we will assist the police in their actions by providing manpower in the form of our municipal police and other resources that may be needed like transport.”
The Government’s directive to clear night vendors comes amid growing concerns over lawlessness, congestion and public health risks in urban areas.
The authorities say illegal vending has worsened sanitation issues, obstructed traffic and contributed to an increase in criminal activities.
Harare, like other major cities, has seen a rapid increase in street vending, with many traders operating beyond designated markets.
Previous crackdowns on vendors have often resulted in clashes between the authorities and informal traders.
Meanwhile, the Mutare City Council has commenced removing vendors from its central business district.
City of Mutare principal corporate communications and marketing officer Mr Charles Sadondo said: “We can confirm that the exercise of removing illegal vendors and other illegal businesses in and around the city is underway.
“Our officers are on the ground as we speak.
“However, there have been some resistance and in some cases, the illegal vendors have attacked our officers.
“Law-enforcement agencies are handling the cases.
“As a city, we have areas that have been set aside for those who want to sell their products and we urge those operating from undesignated areas to approach our Housing and Community Services Department for allocation of spaces to sell their products from.”
Bulawayo town clerk Mr Christopher Dube referred The Sunday Mail to corporate communications manager Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, who had not responded to questions sent to her phone by the time of going to print.
Addressing a media briefing in Harare last week, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said all vendors must possess valid licences and operate exclusively from designated areas.
“Illegal vending perpetuates unsanitary conditions as vendors operate in areas without potable water and ablution facilities, which poses a significant risk for disease outbreaks such as typhoid, dysentery and cholera,” he said.
“Furthermore, the accumulation of waste from these vendors has rendered some roads, sanitary lanes and sidewalks impassable, exacerbating public health and security issues.
“In light of these pressing issues, the Government is directing all local authorities to clear vendors from undesignated points within 48 hours. During this operation, local authorities will be supported by law-enforcement agents to ensure the maintenance of law and order.”
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was unreachable.
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