Sundaymail Editor
Ray Bande in Mutare
Mutare City Council is going ahead in implementing a Government directive to clear all vendors off undesignated selling points, especially around the Central Business District starting tonight.
The move has been welcomed by vendor representative organisations in the eastern border city, who feel vendors selling in undesignated points are getting an unfair advantage by operating without paying local authority dues.
Mutare City Council Town Clerk Mr Blessing Chafesuka said: “We are indeed going ahead with implementing the Government directive to clear vendors off undesignated selling points. This is meant to restore sanity in our streets and also avert possible disease outbreaks like cholera.”
Mutare Informal Traders Association (MITA) president Mr Itai Kaparirr said: “This is the political will that we have been waiting for all along. We applaud Government for finally making that decision. We surely cannot have people selling from undesignated points and at the same time demand sound service delivery from the local authority.”
Meanwhile, Zimpapers Radio News reports that some registered shop owners in Masvingo have welcomed Government’s directive saying the move will ensure formal businesses are protected from unfair competition.
In an interview with Zimpapers Radio News, some of the formal traders said the latest clampdown was long overdue and questioned the rationale of trading at night.
Meanwhile, Masvingo Service Delivery Residents Ratepayers Association secretary general Moses Mavhusa implored the Zimbabwe Republic Police to intensify patrols during the night to ensure the success of the blitz.
Government issued a 48-hour ultimatum for local authorities nationwide to deal with night vending mostly in central business districts following concerns over criminal activities including the sale of counterfeit products that have been associated with evening traders.
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