Rains Disrupt Informal Vendors’ Business in Masvingo

By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – Persistent rains in Masvingo have disrupted the operations of informal vendors, leaving
many struggling to sell their goods, particularly perishable products.
Vendors operating in open spaces around the city centre said the bad weather has reduced customer
turnout, forcing them to incur losses as fruits, vegetables and other perishables quickly spoil.
Several traders said they operate without proper shelter, making it difficult to continue trading during
heavy rains.
“We are losing a lot of goods because customers are not coming when it is raining. Some of our tomatoes
and leafy vegetables end up rotting before we sell them,” said Tapiwa Matingwadza.
The traders have urged the Masvingo City Council to construct more designated markets with proper
roofing to protect both vendors and their goods during adverse weather conditions.
“The council should also provide more waste bins at vending sites to improve sanitation and prevent the
accumulation of garbage, which worsens during rainy periods,” said another vendor.
Apart from inadequate shelter, vendors highlighted other challenges they face during the rainy season,
including muddy trading spaces, water-damaged goods and difficulties in safely storing stock overnight.
Some traders also said strong winds often blow away temporary stalls and plastic coverings used to
protect their merchandise, while poor drainage systems result in stagnant water around vending areas.
Others expressed concern over potential health risks, saying wet conditions and poor waste management
can attract flies and increase the spread of diseases.
Despite these challenges, the vendors said informal trading remains their main source of income and
called for urgent intervention from the local authority to improve their working conditions.
“We depend on vending to feed our families, but when it rains like this, business almost stops,” said
Lindiwe Matara.
Informal vending has become a major source of livelihood for many residents in Masvingo due to limited
formal employment opportunities. Many people rely on selling fruits, vegetables, clothing and other small
goods in the city centre and surrounding areas to support their families.
However, most vendors operate in open spaces with limited infrastructure such as proper market stalls,
shelter and waste disposal facilities. During the rainy season, these conditions become more challenging
as vendors struggle to protect their goods from water damage and spoilage.
In recent years, the Masvingo City Council has been working to regulate vending activities and move
traders into designated markets, but many vendors continue to operate in undesignated areas due to
limited space in official markets. As a result, bad weather often exposes the vulnerability of informal
traders who depend on daily sales to survive.