Vendors registration targets residential areas

Kudakwashe Ruwende – Sunday Mail Reporter

Harare City Council is registering vendors who operate in residential areas to ensure orderly business and consistent revenue inflows.

The month-long exercise, which began on November 1, will ultimately lead to the construction of official market stalls in most high-density suburbs.

Council spokesperson Mr Leslie Gwindi said: “Once registered, all vendors in the wards will be required to pay vending fees at district offices or sub-offices.

“We have adopted a new approach that ensures cordial relations between vendors and us.

“As Council, we feel there should be constant communication between us and vendors.”

Town House is tidying Harare in keeping with its vision of transforming the city into a world class metropolis.

Five thousand vendors who registered in September are already selling at 12 official sites in the Central Business District.

Each vendor pays weekly operating fees between US$2 and US$20, depending on one’s business type.

Council has also opened help desks in Mbare and the CBD to handle inquiries.

Previously, municipal police and vendors clashed sporadically over by-law violations.

Illegal stalls and booths were also destroyed.

It is estimated 12 000 vendors are operating in Harare, selling food, clothes, mobile phone recharge cards and water, among many other products.

National Vendors’ Union of Zimbabwe (Navuz) director Mr Samuel Wadzai commended council for embracing his constituency.

“Council has made a good move by registering vendors in wards where more than 5 000 vendors operate.

“As a vendors’ organisation, we feel vendors should be organised and allowed to work in an acceptable environment.”