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Tafadzwa Ndlovu Herald Reporter
A meeting with vendors called by Harare Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni yesterday to discuss the Government directive for them to move out of the city centre ended in disarray after the vendors exchanged blows following sharp disagreements.
The meeting with leaders of the vendors associations sought to map a way forward ahead of a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Government for them to move out of the CBD before Monday.
The meeting ended prematurely and with no concrete resolution after members of the associations sharply disagreed and resorted to physical confrontation.
“The meeting was called to try and find a quick solution to the issue before the deadline lapses on Monday,” said Clr Manyenyeni.
“We will hold more meetings with different stakeholders, which will end with an all-stakeholders convention likely to be held at the weekend.”
It turned out that the exchange of blows was triggered by some leaders of the vendors associations who were politicising the Government directive.
Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations national committee member Ms Memory Mbondiya triggered the fight after she blamed the Government of the problems being faced by vendors.
This did not go down well with the other vendors who reacted angrily and a fist fight ensued.
Clr Manyenyeni tried to restore order by telling the vendors to no avail that the discussion was open and everyone was free to contribute.
Council security officers had to be called in to disperse the vendors.
The vendors associations yesterday expressed mixed feelings over the proposed new vending sites that have been unveiled by the Harare City Council.
Town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi announced four areas where vendors are to be relocated which are the Holding Bay at corner Coventry Road and Rotten Row, the open ground at the City Sports Centre, Tsiga open space in Mbare and at the corner of Seke and Cripps Roads.
Harare Informal Traders Council president Mr Onisimo Gore applauded Government and council efforts, saying they were prepared to move out of the CBD.
“Mupedzanhamo in Mbare did not start like it is now, but people had to do some work to make the place suitable for business and now everyone buys from there, but it’s not in the CBD,” he said.
National Vendors Union Zimbabwe director Mr Samuel Wadzai said the areas where vendors must be located were not enough for the thousands of vendors in the CBD.
Zimbabwe Informal Sector director Mr Promise Mkwananzi said the manner in which vendors are going to be moved should be consultative and humane.
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