Uproar over high charges for flea market refurbishment

Increase Gumbo

Chiredzi – There is growing discontent in Chiredzi after revelations that the town council is demanding that some informal traders pay US$150 to enable refurbishments of their small dilapidated flea market along Masasa road.

One of the flea market owners, Taurai Rasai said that the idea is good since the market was dilapidated but the money that is being talked about is too much.

“The idea of renovating the flea market is good, thumps up to the council but they are overcharging us…$150 dollars is way too much to renovate such a small flea market which only requires less than eight roofing sheets which cost eight dollars each,” said Rasai.

Other traders made it clear they were against the idea of paying the money, saying council should foot the bill from its existing revenue streams since the market stalls remain council property.

“Why should we pay an extra fee, it’s not like we are getting the flea market permanently, we pay rates every month and I think council should use that $15 we pay for rates to cater for the renovations,” said a trader.

Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (CHRRA) secretary Jonathan Muusha said he welcomed the renovations but urged council to build lasting structures, adding that CHRRA had agreed with council that renovations would be funded by a fraction of the rates that council collects every month.

He said he was surprised to learn that council now wants to charge traders more money for the same job.

Attempts to get a comment from Chiredzi town council chairman, Francis Moyo were fruitless as he said that he was not in a position to comment on such a development.

“What do you want to hear about the renovations…Ah I am not in a position to comment on that, look for somebody,” said Moyo before hanging his phone.news