Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
LOCAL authorities in Manicaland Province have started implementing the Government’s Operation Chenesa campaign by removing illegal businesses and vendors from undesignated areas under their jurisdiction.
The operation is part of the Government’s drive to restore order and cleanliness in urban centres by ensuring that businesses and informal traders operate from approved sites and comply with municipal regulations.
The councils are moving through identifying illegal structures, unlicensed businesses and vendors operating on roadsides, pavements and other areas not designated for trading.
The exercise is expected to help decongest central business districts while improving sanitation and the general appearance of towns.
At the weekend, Rusape Town Council removed containers that were being used by some illegal businesses.
Council spokesperson Mr Lloyd Makumana urged vendors and business operators to comply with municipal by-laws and relocate to designated trading areas to avoid enforcement action.
“We are implementing the directive from the central government that all illegal activities must be stopped with immediate effect,” he said.
“Notices have been issued to individuals operating illegal tuck-shops, mobile cash cabins, welding, carpentry, LP gas cubicles, hair salons and businesses operating from containers and makeshift steel or wooden structure in Central Business District, Industrial areas and shopping centres without proper authorisation, permits or valid lease agreements with Rusape Town Council.
“Business persons are advised to observe their lease agreements and those operating illegally should cease all business operations with immediate effect.
“We have begun the process of removing illegal structures and equipment used in conducting unauthorised business activities. We want to bring order and sanity in town,” said M Makumana.
Chipinge Town Council chairman Councillor Kingston Dhlumo, said the process is progressing well as illegal activities have been stopped in the town. He said the council is relocating illegal vendors to proper sites with ablution facilities.
“We started by educating our residents on the need to adhere to the regulations,” Councillor Dhlumo said.
“As council, we are aware that we should also protect livelihoods. Most people are earning a living from the informal sector. However, our central business district has been invaded by people carrying out operations in undesignated places such as pavements.
“We have begun relocating these informal traders to proper sites. The council is trying its best to find suitable alternative operating places for them. We want to come up with structures with all amenities, including ablution facilities.”
The implementation of Operation Chenesa comes as Government intensifies efforts to bring order to towns and cities across the country, with local authorities expected to ensure that public spaces are not illegally occupied.
Residents have also been encouraged to support the clean-up exercise by keeping the town clean and reporting illegal activities to the responsible authorities.
The local authorities said the operation would continue as part of efforts to maintain a clean, orderly and properly regulated urban environment.
