adminLaura Maposa
VENDORS claim they are being fleeced by corrupt Council cops at Hatcliffe Market.
The market is located between a major road, and a residential area.
Popularly known as Kudust, due to its dusty location, the market has increasingly become popular with Domboshava farmers, who find it more convenient than Mbare Musika.
However, residents and vendors have appealed to local authorities to put order at the market and find ways of making it a safe place to visit.
One of the vendors, Mai Dhamiyano, said the market remains illegal and bogus municipal workers have been making a killing by demanding protection fees.
The vendors operate on both sides of the road, causing traffic jams, during peak hour.
Some vendors’ stalls are very close to houses, blocking access roads to residential areas.
Another vendor, Mai Chinyanga, told H-Metro she has not had trouble with the Council, since the market is not regularised.
“We have been selling here for the past seven years.
“The City Council has never been a problem for me, in particular.
“Council did not build shelters for us and we paid from our pockets, so they cannot come here and collect money.
“Our appeal to the City fathers is for order to be installed at the market.
“If they can put some order, and also put concrete slabs, it will help reduce dust, which poses a health hazard,” she said.
Amai John said she has had trouble before with some City Council officials, asking for money.
“I have been selling here for quite some time now and I must say the Council has been giving me trouble.
“I pay US$15 per month to the Council officials so that they do not trouble me and my children when we are selling tomatoes here.
“This place is good for us because our farmers are in Domboshawa, and not Mbare Musika, which means we save on transport costs,” she said.
As the rainy season approaches, the market poses a greater health risk.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter