Gwanda vending market commissioned
Story by Providence Maraneli
LOCAL authorities have been urged to enforce by-laws to protect beneficiaries of vending markets for sustainability and transformation of business enterprises.
The commissioning of Gwanda vending market this Thursday has set the ball rolling for the total transformation of small and medium enterprises in the mining town, with vendors giving credit to the Second Republic for its stance on inclusive infrastructure development.
“We are so grateful, for this structure our wares were getting dirty. We were selling in the rain but it’s now it’s past,” said one of the vendors.
Another said, “We want to urge the Council to protect us street vendors so that this structure is sustainable.”
“I have been a vendor since the 90s and I am glad that we have been given a roof over our head,” another vendor said.
The Municipality of Gwanda is on a drive to create a conducive environment for business growth
“We are dedicated to making this town a smart city, we are not resting, this is just the beginning, we are constructing other vending marts so that we can accommodate more vendors,” said Gwanda Municipality Mayor, Councillor Thulani Moyo.
Formalisation of small enterprises has the potential to turn around the fortunes of Matabeleland South Province.
“We are excited to be part of a journey to empower our people. As the province we will keep on supporting the transformation of businesses so that our GDP may rise,” said Matabeleland South Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Latiso Dlamini.
Government is on a drive to address bottlenecks and challenges that exist in small to medium enterprises.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said, “Government will continue to pursue the development of workspace for MSMEs through committing more resources to construct affordable, appropriate and modern workspaces as we strive towards Vision 2030. You will all agree with me that this is the sector that is critical for driving the nation in an all-inclusive economic growth trajectory where ‘No one and no place is left behind’.”
The vending market will accommodate 56 vendors from Gwanda.
