Chronicle Editor
Austin Nyathi, Chronicle Writer
WOMEN’S Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has urged local authorities to enforce by-laws to protect vendors operating legally from competing with vendors operating outside the law.
Addressing vendors and civil servants during the launch of a traders’ market in Gwanda yesterday, Min Mutsvangwa stated that protecting licensed traders is vital to local councils as they form part of their revenue streams.
“I urge all local authorities to enforce by-laws to protect the beneficiaries of the trading markets so that they don’t lose business to their competitors operating out of the confines of the law by selling their wares in unauthorised zones,” she said
“If local authorities fail to enforce by-laws, there is likely to be chaos.”
Fifty-six entrepreneurs secured vending bays at the Gwanda Trading Market while 700 people are on the waiting list.
Minister Mutsvangwa also expressed the need for an integrated and holistic approach to addressing the challenges and bottlenecks in workplaces for SMEs across the country.
“The collaboration between the ministry and Gwanda Municipality in constructing the Traders Market is a clear testimony that together we can do more.
The ministry looks forward to increased carbonation with the Gwanda Municipality in enhancing the operating environment for SMEs in Gwanda,” she said.
She noted that in the past 20 years, there has been phenomenal growth in the SMEs sector across the country.
“Currently this growth has created a huge demand for productive infrastructure by micro, small and medium enterprises, which is affordable, appropriate, modern and gender sensitive. Such infrastructure includes trade markets, factory shells, shopping malls and cold chain facilities, among others,” she said.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, who was represented by her permanent secretary, Mrs Latiso Dlamini, acknowledged the effort by the Government in supporting micro, small and medium enterprises through development of collaborative models.
“The Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development in partnership with the Municipality of Gwanda implemented the project by funding the construction of Gwanda Traders Market.
“We appreciate the input of Gwanda Municipality in providing designated work spaces with adequate ablution services for traders even with limited resources,” she said.
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