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HARARE City Council has expressed concern over the rampant illegal activities mushrooming outside Mupedzanhamo market where some individuals are charging traders US$5 to use the space.
According to recent minutes of the Small to Medium Enterprises Committee, councillors heard why there has been a delay in the reopening of Mupedzanhamo Flea Market.
“On 9th October 2020, a request was made to the Chamber Secretary to provide security at the market site but, without the assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and the prevailing political situation, it was not possible,” read the minutes.
“The stone-throwing youths were threatening to disrupt the reopening of the market hence the safety of the people was not guaranteed until a lasting solution was found.”
The minutes read that the reopening of the home industry was being hampered by the site management committee.
“At Dieppe/Seke Roads (Coca-Cola) Market site the Management Committee was contributing to the delay to reopen the market,” the minutes read.
“They had fenced part of the market, preventing council officials from collecting revenue and had been collecting US$10 per day, from unsuspecting traders.
“At Mbare Musika Bus Terminus, vagrants had taken refuge in the bus terminus thereby creating unnecessary parking challenges, vandalism, erecting makeshift structures and other social ills.
“Council had plans to re-register traders, verify and establish the actual database and potential thereof. “There was chaos at the Complex due to haphazard trading and uncoordinated events.
“It was imperative that sanity prevailed at the Complex to enable Council to collect the much-needed revenue.”
Councillors also heard that illegal flea market operators had also invaded the bus terminus.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter