Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
THE City of Bulawayo has given informal traders operating from undesignated sites until Monday to begin voluntarily relocating to approved trading areas as the local authority moves to enforce municipal by-laws.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the council said the voluntary relocation exercise would run from October 26 to November 1, 2026, urging affected traders to register if they wished to be accommodated at designated sites and markets.
The directive follows a call by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for illegal informal traders to move to designated trading sites.
The council said trading from unauthorised spaces, including road servitudes, parking bays and pavements, was prohibited and urged affected businesses to comply with municipal by-laws and co-operate with authorities during the transition.
Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said traders should relocate voluntarily during the specified period.
“Informal traders are advised to relocate to the designated sites and markets voluntarily from Monday 26 October 2026 to 1st November 2026 and those who wish to be accommodated should register with the City of Bulawayo,” he said.
The council said verification of 2024 allocations and consideration of new applications were under way at the Dugmore MSMEs Office.
Allocation criteria give preference to vulnerable groups, including child-headed and female-headed families, widows, orphans, unemployed people, elderly persons, people living with disabilities and those with terminal illnesses.
Successful applicants are required to provide police clearance and fingerprints, passport-sized photographs, a copy of their national identity document and proof of residence.
Traders handling foodstuffs will also be referred to Khami Clinic for screening for communicable diseases.
The council outlined licensing and rental charges for businesses operating in the central business district (CBD) and suburban locations.
Annual licences cost US$23 for CBD traders and US$11,50 for suburban sites, including Highlanders. Monthly rentals are US$11,50 for CBD premises and US$5,75 for suburban locations.
Mr Dube said the local authority recognised the contribution of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to livelihoods but stressed that businesses had to operate from approved locations.
“The City of Bulawayo would like to emphasise that, while it values the role played by MSMEs in supporting livelihoods, trading from undesignated places such as road servitudes, parking bays and pavements is not allowed.
“All MSMEs and stakeholders are encouraged to comply with by-laws by moving their businesses to designated trading areas.
“We urge all affected MSMEs to co-operate with the authorities during this transition period to ensure a smooth relocation process. Your understanding and compliance is greatly appreciated,” he said.
