Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE-Mutare District is set to launch its own blitz on illegal vending tomorrow, following a directive from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe.
The operation, which will target both Mutare Urban and Mutare Rural, will see authorities descending on hotspot areas where vendors have set up shop on undesignated sites, pavements and road servitudes.
The move comes after Government last week ordered all local authorities to clear illegal vending structures across the country, with no reprieve granted for vendors in Harare, a moratorium having been rejected.
Mutare District Development Coordinator (DDC), Tendai Kapenzi, confirmed the operation will begin tomorrow.
“The directive from Minister Garwe is clear. We are starting the blitz tomorrow in Mutare. Our focus will be on both urban and rural service centres, starting with hotspots that have become a cause for concern,” he said.
Hotspot centres expected to be targeted first include Mutare CBD, Sakubva, Dangamvura and Chikanga for Mutare urban and Zimunya Township, Bezel Bridge, Chigodora and Chitakatira for Mutare rural.
Authorities said the blitz is aimed at restoring order, sanity and cleanliness in urban and rural business centres, while ensuring vendors operate from designated and serviced vending bays.
The District Taskforce comprising City of Mutare, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Mutare Rural District Council and other stakeholders will spearhead the operation.
Vendors in Mutare said they are appealing for more time and for council to provide alternative vending spaces.
“We are not refusing to move, but we need somewhere to go. We survive on vending,” said one vendor in Mutare CBD.
Officials said no vendor will be allowed to operate from undesignated sites after the blitz begins, urging all illegal vendors to voluntarily remove their wares and structures before tomorrow.
