Harare, (New Ziana) – The Ministry of Industry and Commerce on Monday expressed concern over the proliferation of counterfeit goods on the market, and thanked its Local Government counterpart for banning night street vending in an effort to contain the vice.

In an address to mark World Consumer Rights Day, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said street pavements have literally been turned into market stalls filled with all types of mechandise and products ranging from designer label clothing to food stuffs and beverages as well as medicines.

“Most of these are products either produced or repackaged in backyard industries by unregistered and unlicenced dealers who are only driven by lining up their pockets without caring about the health of consumers,” he said.

He said some of the products are smuggled into the country through undesignated crossing points, adding that consumers are enticed into buying such products which are sold cheaply because they were smuggled into the country without paying duty.

“This comes with a huge risk and threat to the health and survival of the consumer,” said Ndlovu.

He paid tribute to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe for directing all local authorities to clear vendors operating from undesignated points especially at night.

He implored all those who have been involved in night street vending to seek appropriate authority to ensure that their trade is supervised and protected, adding that without such authority it is a violation of the law as well as exposing themselves and consumers to risk.

“I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the sterling work by the National Economic Consultative Forum with whom we recently jointly hosted a national dialogue on counterfeits,” said Ndlovu.

New Ziana