By Terence Tikiti
FOLLOWING the Government’s directive to rid the country’s towns and cities of illegal vendors, Gwanda Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, has called for order, intensifying the clearing of illegal vendors from the Central Business District (CBD).
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works issued a directive, ordering municipalities across the country to remove all illegal vendors operating within the CBD and other undesignated selling points. The move is aimed at restoring order in urban areas and addressing challenges of congestion, illegal trading, public health risks and other activities that border on security threats.
In compliance with the directive, the Mayor said, they would enforce the law, without fear or favour. He also highlighted that illegal vendors were causing havoc by operating anywhere throughout the town, yet there were designated places which are still vacant where vendors could conduct their businesses.
“The instruction from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is not a new policy. This is an act that was there and is an ongoing operation that we have as Municipalities. However, the Government has noted with concern an element of reluctance in some of the local authorities in enforcing the law regarding order in their respective towns.
“Therefore, the Municipality of Gwanda (MOG) is in compliance with the reminder by the Ministry to implement and make sure the town is in an orderly set up. Those who want to do business in town are expected to be at the designated places. The law is not binding to vendors only, but everyone including taxi operators, private motorists as well as those small illegal retailers.
“I am giving warning to those still operating unregistered businesses at undesignated areas to stop forthwith! The Municipal Police and other law enforcers will not hesitate to do their work, without fear or favour. The operation is not for fighting against anyone, but the for the best standard set up and smooth flow of business without disturbing anyone’s right to do whatever business as required by the Government and community at large.
“A disorderly and congested town set up, where anyone can just do his or her business anywhere throughout the town disturbs pedestrians and does not attract tourists or investors to establish their businesses. A crowded and congested situation promotes criminal activities and even illegal drug dealers.”
The town had more space at designated places and vendors operating from undesignated areas were invited to visit the Municipal Offices to register and be allocated stands at the recommended sites, said the Mayor.
Local authorities have been ordered to enforce the directive immediately, working alongside law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works said the decision followed growing complaints about unregulated vending activities that are disturbing pedestrian movement, traffic flow, and sanitation in major cities and towns.
