Hwange councillor pushes for formal vending sites amid rising informal trade

HWANGE Local Board (HLB) Ward 6 Councillor Mlungisi Zhanero has called on the council to urgently establish properly designated vending spaces, citing a sharp increase in informal traders within his ward and the need to address mounting safety and hygiene concerns.

In its latest newsletter, HLB said Cllr Zhanero expressed concern over the growing number of informal traders operating along the roadside near the DRC Section Shopping Centre in Empumalanga, warning that the situation poses significant safety risks for both the traders and the public.

“The number of vendors selling various wares and vegetables along the roadside near DRC Shopping Centre continues to rise, raising serious safety concerns.

“The situation becomes particularly hazardous in the evenings, when large crowds gather to purchase groceries for supper while commuter omnibuses speed through the area during rush hour, competing for passengers,” he said.

He said with increased pedestrian activity, roadside trading and high traffic volumes converging in the same space, the risk of a serious, potentially fatal accident remains alarmingly high.

Cllr Zhanero, following consultations with the council’s Department of Spatial Planning and Land Management, confirmed that a suitable site has been identified for the establishment of a market stall.

“A site for the establishment of a market stall at DRC Shopping Centre has been identified, and the matter was subsequently tabled before council for consideration. The proposal was deliberated upon during an Ordinary Full Board meeting, where councillors granted approval for the development of the facility, which will also include ablution amenities,” he said.

He said there was an urgent need to fast-track the construction of the market stall to facilitate the relocation of vendors into designated, formal and hygienic trading spaces.

Cllr Zhanero said the DRC market stall was critical in response to the growing demand for a designated trading space.

“Vendors have indicated their willingness to support council with resources towards the project, as evidenced by their voluntary efforts to clear the site earmarked for the facility,” he added.

He said the continued growth of the ward necessitates the establishment of an additional market stall at Empumalanga Phase 4, Stage 2, to cater for the increasing number of traders and residents in the area.

Cllr Zhanero said Ward 6 has grown to become the largest ward in Hwange, with new settlements emerging and a notable increase in population.

“In response to this growth, plans are underway to establish an additional market stall in Phase 4, with the Department of Spatial Planning and Land Management currently identifying a suitable site for the facility,” he said.