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Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
SCORES of Victoria Falls vendors this week invaded an open space in Chinotimba where they opened an illegal market.
The vendors said they made the decision in protest against the Victoria Falls City Council’s failure to rein in illegal vendors and hawkers who operate from undesignated spaces.
Informal traders comprising vegetable vendors and flea market operators have over the past months confronted council authorities over the influx of illegal vendors, including Zambian hawkers who sell on the streets.
On Monday scores of vendors set up vending stalls at an open space opposite Chinotimba Vegetable Market saying they were not happy that despite their concerns, the local authority allocated space to Zambian traders while locals have nowhere to do business.
The city council has, however, said it has more than 400 vacant vending stalls at designated markets which people were reluctant to take as they prefer operating at illegal points like outside the Comesa Market, commonly known as Emaplankeni, and from car boots or homes.
After invading an open space, more than 400 of them applied to the council to be given vending stalls.
“We have just completed forms to be given space to operate from and we will be grateful if they allocate us space because we are tired of being raided. I am a widow taking care of three minor children and I am on medication hence I need a stable income every month,” said Ms Judith Dube, a vendor.
Another vendor Mr Khetho Fuzane said illegal vending will only stop if council allocates land to informal traders.
Vendors, through the Victoria Falls Traders Association (VFTA), recently threatened to boycott renewing annual licences and paying rates if the local authority failed to remove hawkers from the streets.
The council responded by raiding illegal traders, including Zambian hawkers popularly known as omzanga.
VFTA chair Mr Ian Sibanda said informal traders were concerned about those selling from homes or undesignated areas.
“We came to this open space because we saw foreigners being allowed to sell here. Our business is very low because of people selling on the streets. Our wish is for people to be allocated places to operate from,” said Mr Sibanda.
The council’s public relations assistant, Mr Mandla Dingani, said the local authority has of late been experiencing a problem with people, most of them Zambians operating from undesignated areas.
He said instead of engaging in running battles with the vendors, council found places where they could operate from.
“In this way the Local Authority will generate revenue while maintaining good relations with its neighbours, the Zambians,” said Mr Sibanda.
He said council has over 400 vacant stalls in designated areas from which local traders can conduct their business.
“Council, however, notes with concern that some members are not willing to take up the available stalls,” said Mr Dingani. -@ncubeleon
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