THE City of Bulawayo (BCC) has announced an immediate crackdown on micro, small and medium enterprises and other traders found operating at undesignated areas in the city centre.
Town clerk Christopher Dube said the crackdown targets unauthorised informal trading on undesignated sites such as roadways and pavements.
The raid is targeting pushcart vendors, individuals washing cars and repairing of vehicles in undesignated areas as well as commuter omnibuses and buses loading or offloading passengers at undesignated areas, among others.
“Council is with immediate effect conducting an exercise to remove all unauthorised activities so as to restore order and cleanliness in the city,” Dube said.
He said informal traders should move to designated informal trading sites in the central business district (CBD) and suburban areas.
“All those who are interested in trading on those sites are advised to visit the City of Bulawayo Dugmore Informal Trading offices for assistance,” he added
Dube said any unauthorised trading would be dealt with in accordance with the city’s by-laws.
“In addition, in accordance with SI [Statutory Instrument] 220 of 2023 section 7 item 5, pushcarts shall not be allowed in the CBD bounded by 3rd Avenue, Lobengula Street, 12th Avenue to Robert Mugabe,” he said.
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“Any violations will attract a level 1 fine and impounding costs.”
The crackdown follows similar raids by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority on flea markets in Bulawayo.
Large markets such as Unity Village, Haddon & Sly and Mthize flea market were forced to shut down as authorities demanded proof of legal importation of their merchandise.
The raids left hundreds of flea market traders without income, raising concern about the affordability of import duties and the state of the informal economy.
Observers have stressed the need for dialogue between the government, city council and small businesses to ensure compliance while maintaining business viability.
