Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE— Order and sanity had returned to Mutare Central Business District by midday yesterday, on the first day of the blitz against illegal vending ordered by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe.
The operation, which officially started Wednesday morning saw a combined taskforce of the City of Mutare, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Mutare District Development Coordinator’s office and other stakeholders descending on the CBD and surrounding hotspot areas.
By noon, pavements along Herbert Chitepo Street, Robert Mugabe Road and First Street, which are normally clogged by vendors, had been cleared, with illegal structures, tables and wares removed. Traffic flow had improved and pedestrians could use walkways without obstruction.
Mutare District Development Coordinator Tendai Kapenzi said the operation was progressing well, with compliance in most areas.
“We started as planned this morning and I am happy to report that by noon we had restored sanity in the CBD. Vendors were informed beforehand and most complied. We will not relent,” he said.
The taskforce also targeted known hotspot areas including Sakubva Musika, Dangamvura Shopping Centres and the ranks along Penhalonga Road, where illegal vendors had established overnight structures.
Authorities said patrols will remain in place beyond normal hours to prevent vendors from returning to the streets in the evening, a thing which had become a common trend during such operations.
“Teams will be on the ground after hours. We have observed that vendors tend to come back in the evening when enforcement teams leave. That will not happen this time,” said Town Clerk, Blessing Chafesuka.
Vendors said while the operation had disrupted their livelihoods, they were hoping the local authority would allocate them designated vending bays.
“We have moved, but we are appealing for proper bays. We need to work,” said one vendor who was clearing her wares along Second Street.
Officials said the blitz will continue in both Mutare Urban and Mutare Rural service centres in the coming days, and no vending will be allowed on undesignated sites, pavements and road servitudes.
