daniel chigunweMunicipal Reporter
VENDORS at the Hatcliffe market are angry with Harare City Council for demanding rates between US$40 to US$70 monthly, but with zero market stalls or any services provided whatsoever.
At the area popularly known as paDust, there are chaotic scenes as there are no market stalls. Traders have been forced to erect makeshift vending stalls. There are no ablution facilities or water.
Both traders and buyers are exposed to mud in the area during the rainy season and dust during the dry seasons.
One trader, Mrs Svuvai Chekai, said the council should provide services to justify the money being collected.
“We are paying US$40 for a table. This is way too much considering that we are not getting any services from the council. There is no water and no ablution facilities,” she said.
Another trader, Mrs Reshnet Matiyenga, said that despite paying their rent diligently there was nothing to show for it.
A trader who only preferred to be called Baba Tino said the money being charged by the local authority was unreasonable.
“Imagine some of us are paying US$70, but there is nothing to show for it. There are no toilets or even a water point,” he said.
Acting city Mayor Musarurwa Mutizwa promised to address the concerns raised by the traders.
“I have heard the pleas from the traders. We will look into the issues and address them. I have also been discussing with Harare Metropolitan and Devolution Affairs Minister Oliver Chidawu and the Secretary Mr Tafadzwa Muguti so that devolution funds can be used to build a state of the art market,” he said.
Mayor Musarurwa also promised to deal with space barons that are subletting some of the tables at the market.
Online Reporter