Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu
BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) yesterday launched a blitz targeting pushcart operators and street vendors illegally operating in undesignated areas of the city centre, impounding over 100 carts.
The operation is part of a wider clean-up campaign that has also zeroed in on illegal street vending, particularly the sale of imported second-hand clothing, a sector which authorities say is being exploited by drug syndicates.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe yesterday revealed that the second-hand clothing trade has been infiltrated by drug syndicates, who are using imported bales to smuggle drugs into Zimbabwe. In response, the Government has announced a sweeping ban on second-hand clothing sales and night vending as part of an anti-drug trafficking drive.
BCC spokesperson Nesisa Mpofu confirmed the crackdown, saying it is part of the enforcement of existing by-laws.
“Yes, we have launched an operation targeting illegal vendors and pushcart operators violating city by-laws. The City of Bulawayo further reminds residents that, in accordance with SI 220 of 2023, section 7 item 5, pushcarts shall not be allowed in the part of the central business district bounded by 3rd Avenue, Lobengula Street, 12th Avenue and Robert Mugabe Way. Any violation will attract a level 1 fine plus impounding costs,” she said.
Mpofu said the pushcart ban is part of efforts to restore order in the city centre and curb informal trade in restricted zones.
Pushcart operators, pirate taxi drivers, kombi crews and bus drivers are accused of flouting traffic rules, blocking lanes and obstructing pavements.
Bulawayo Traders and Vendors Organisation’s executive director, Michael Ndiweni, welcomed the enforcement but urged the council to balance regulation with livelihood needs.
“We call upon our members to practice a responsible way of doing business. Local authorities should also play their part by allocating proper vending sites so that there’s a balance between the law and informal traders,” he said.
But for those directly affected, the operation has left a trail of frustration and desperation.
“We were going to deliver goods when our pushcarts were taken without warning. Our daily bread depends on those carts,” said Leon Sibanda, whose cart was seized along Leopold Takawira Street.
Another operator, Gift Phiri, echoed the sentiment, saying the raid caught them by surprise.
“They didn’t warn us about this operation. We are just trying to survive in an economy where jobs are hard to find,” he said.
