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Precila Takabvirakare
There is an air of relief among informal traders and vendors
in Mpandawana after Gutu Rural District Council (RDC) allowed its markets to
re-open as from last week.
Normally, the council-owned flea markets accommodate hundreds
of people but the number has been slightly reduced to enable social distancing.
Gutu RDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alexander Mutembwa
said council was following the loosening of lockdown regulations as effected by
the national government.
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| With the assitant of security services, Gutu RDC implemented severe trade restrictions during the lockdown |
He said he was glad that informal traders who suffered
immense hardship under the hard lockdown were now getting some relief.
“People desperately pressurised us to open the markets
earlier but we could not do it as we work in accordance with what happens at
national level. People are hungry and they wanted a chance to work for
themselves and their families so we are pleased that we are finally able to
reopen the markets under certain guidelines that reduce the chances of new
coronavirus infections,” said Mutembwa.
He said traders were at all times obliged to adhere to
regulations put in place by government such as the wearing of facemasks and
maintaining standard physical distancing.
He said the Roof Town market will be opened as soon as all
the work being done there gets completed.
