happiness Chikwanha
Latwell Nyangu
THE Government has given night vendors a 48-hour ultimatum to stop their operations and ordered local authorities to clear all the vendors with immediate effect.
Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, said the proliferation of illegal vendors, particularly in the Central Business Districts and adjacent areas, has raised concerns on health and security issues.
He also noted the influx of night vendors and has directed local authorities to clear vendors from undesignated points within 48 hours.
The Minister also denounced the practice where some vendors are selling alcohol from the trunks of their cars.
He was speaking during a Media Engagement Forum, which was facilitated by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
“Government has noted with great concern the proliferation of illegal vendors in the Central Business District (CBD), and surrounding areas and towns across the country.
“Particularly the influx of night vendors or night trading which has serious health and security concerns throughout the country.
“It has also been observed that the mushrooming of these unregulated market places disrupt the operations of legally registered and law-abiding traders leading to increased unfair competition and potential financial losses.
“The illegal vending perpetuates unsanitary conditions as vendors operate in areas without portable water and ablution facilities.
“This causes the risks of disease outbreaks such as typhoid, cholera.”
Min Garwe said the accumulation of waste from these vendors has rendered some roads, sanitary lanes and sidewalks impassable, exacerbating public health and security issues.
“These vendors have a tendency of hiding their wares in our drains, which is creating serious problems when it’s raining and our roads become flooded because of the blockages.
“Moreover, the proliferation of vending has created a haven for criminal activities including theft, robbery, drug dealing, causing a direct threat to residents’ security and visitors alike.
“The lack of regulation and oversight in these areas allows criminal elements to exploit the situation further destabilising communities and eroding public trust in law enforcing agents.
“The Government is directing all local authorities to clear all vendors from undesignated within 48 hours,” he said.
During this operation local authorities will be supported by national law enforcing agents for the maintenance of law and order.
“Additionally, local authorities must enforce regulations requiring that all traders hold valid licences and can operate only in designated areas and equipped with adequate sanitary facilities.
“Government remains committed to fostering a safer and orderly environment and will take necessary measures to address these challenges.
“Even in our laws, there is no provision of night vending in our cities, we are dealing with night vending, which is not supported by any facility in respect of health issues, even police.
“We just found that Harare is alive at night and, at the same time, drug dealers become more active overnight.
“Our laws do not allow night vending, people are doing this, were never there before. “Our law is very clear and you will be arrested and face the law.
“This was supposed to be solved by Harare City Council. They didn’t come for help. “People are now messing up everywhere.”
Min Garwe also noted that the existing facilities cater for registered vendors only.
“What we don’t want is for vendors to operate anywhere, you see some in the First Street.
“We have business times for the legitimate operators, the time they start and finish work.”
Online Reporter