Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI Central Constituency MP Ropafadzo Makumire is on a collision course with Chiredzi Town Council over the latter’s course of action against illegal vendors following the eviction of more 2000 vendors from illegal vending sites in the central business district as well as road sides.
The move to displace illegal vendors follows a resolution by council which was also followed by prohibition notice for vendors that was allegedly aimed at regularizing vending, as well as curbing the spread of cholera.
In the six day notice, Chiredzi Town Council Secretary, Engineer Wesley Kauma highlighted that the exercise will be in line with government’s subsequent directive to local authorities to strengthen measures to contain the spread of Cholera.
“Notice is hereby given that Chiredzi Town Council will conduct an exercise to displace vendors operating at undesignated places. Subsequent directive to local authorities to strengthen measures to contain the spread of cholera, vending/ undesignated vending sites with no hygiene enabling facilities pose a threat to the spread of cholera.
“Please be informed that the vending sites that were under construction / renovations are now ready for use, therefore vendors who were allocated space at designated vending sites are advised to return to their respective places with immediate effect. Please note that council shall be allocating market numbers to those who have council leases,” wrote Kauma.
Makumire however, wrote to council saying it was not the best time to displace vendors from the undesignated vending sites as it was the only time of the year where vendors earn a better income.
“I am of the view that this might not be an appropriate time to carry out such activities, considering that the majority of households are surviving on street vending due to economic hardships. Additionally, we are at a time of the year when these low income traders get some proceeds to feed their families, celebrate the festive holiday and raise school fees for the first term of 2024,” wrote Makumire.
Makumire also highlighted that council should give vendors time while they create a decent working space for them and put other measures to curb the spread of cholera.
“Following engagements with the victims of the exercise, I advise the council to give them a longer grace period as you create a decent working space for them.
“I fully understand that we are in a cholera pandemic, and also agree that we need to put measures to curb its spread but displacing vendors cannot be the best solution. I am of the perspective that vendors must have washing points where they can regularly wash and sanitize themselves while trading,” wrote Makumire.
Chiredzi Town Council Public Relations Officer, Kudzai Chimusoro said council was justified to remove vendors from the streets saying all was in place at the renovated designated places where they can ply from.
“There are no toilets on the streets where people are currently working from. We want to create sanity. Cholera kills and we will be found wanting if we lose lives for failure to be proactive.
“There are functional toilets at Banana market, One way flee market, Msasa drive opposite N Richards and at Chisa market so they should operate from there,” said Chimusoro.
