BULAWAYO mayor David Coltart has lamented that lack of arresting powers for municipal police affects the enforcement of by-laws.
Coltart said this has resulted in an increase in city by-law violations by residents.
“The police are not always available. This affects enforcement of all by-laws by our municipal police including illegal vending,” he told Southern Eye.
Coltart said night vending compromised the cleanliness of the city putting public health at risk.
Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu (ward 28), however, said the local authority should focus on prioritising developing clear policies that ensured vendors operated in safe spaces with access to ablution facilities.
“Effective enforcement of by-laws requires a nuanced approach that balances regulation with support for micro, small and medium enterprises which are crucial for economic growth and job creation,” he said.
“To achieve this, enforcement agencies may need to adapt to round the clock operations, but the focus should be on creating an enabling environment for vendors rather than outright prohibition.
“By doing so we can promote a thriving informal sector while maintaining order and safety in our city.”
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Ndlovu said the surge in night vending in Bulawayo was a reflection of a new normal, driven largely by the growing informal economy.
