Vendors demand more space

Rejoice Mberengwa Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) met Bulawayo Mayor Martin Moyo Tuesday demanding to be allocated more vending bays as the informal economy grows.

They also urged council to reduce its charges and called for an end to the harassment of their members by the municipal police and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Outlining vendors’ quest for an enabling business environment, ZCIEA president Musawenkosi Nyoni said informal traders were facing numerous challenges and authorities were ignoring their plight.

“Last year in September we wrote to the city council requesting a meeting with the Mayor to address these issues but we were not replied,” she said.

“The general rentals are high. We plead with the city council to reduce charges for Tower Block weekend trading from $23. We’re being charged $2.40 every day for operating at Egodini (Basch Street Terminus) and we want that to be reduced to $1.

“We’re asking for more space for vendors. The economy is not doing well hence we’ve more informal businesses than formal traders.”

Nyoni complained that council police were harassing vendors who would be trying to eke a living in an honest way.

She also said registered vendors were not getting fair value in business as unregistered mobile vendors steal business from them.

The vendors sought clarity on progress regarding the proposed construction of a mall at Egodini, which they said would enhance order and improve their business operations.

In response, the Mayor said council was aware of the growing informal economy and the local authority would address their concerns to enhance improved business.

“The most important thing is to meet and talk to us. The city council is yours and as councillors we’re your employees,” said Moyo.

“The formal economy can take care of its self but poor people are taken care of by the council. Council provides them with water and accommodation and also gives them places to trade.”

Turning to rentals Moyo said: “It should be looked at according to how much the vendors make a day or in a month. From there we can then charge the cost of the day or month accordingly so that at the end of the day you don’t work for nothing. There should be research as to why the price was put at that level.”

The mayor said the upgrading of Egodini terminus will go ahead as planned and the project would be of huge benefit to the small to medium enterprises.

“If you want something good you should face temporary inconvenience. Egodini will be upgraded for vendors to get suitable places of trade while there would be proper parking space for commuter omnibuses. Plans are on,” said Moyo.