Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Zimpapers Reporter
HARARE Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has directed the City of Harare to enforce strict measures to address the issue of street children and unregulated vendors in the central business district.
Speaking while chairing a full council meeting at Town House on Wednesday, Clr Mafume instructed the Acting Town Clerk, Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, to lead the effort and ensure the involvement of the Department of Social Welfare.
“We are going to do hard enforcement on the issue of street kids in the city centre,” said Clr Mafume. “But let’s not have people being harassed in town and so forth. Let’s try to put a stop to it.”
The Mayor emphasized that the approach should be structured and humane, focusing on proper rehabilitation and social support through the relevant Government department, rather than mere displacement or harassment of the children.
In a related push to restore order and cleanliness, Clr Mafume also ordered the immediate removal of vendors who are braaiing (barbecuing) and operating improperly on First Street and other undesignated areas.
“Let’s remove those people. We are not going to relent on that,” he said.
He clarified the city’s position, seeking a balance between economic activity and urban management.
“Let’s have vending that is proper, mindful of people’s livelihoods but let’s have a clean city.”
