Story by John Nhandara
GOVERNMENT has directed local authorities to remove vendors from undesignated places within the next 48 hours.
Vendors across the country have 48 hours to vacate undesignated places following a government ultimatum issued this Wednesday.
In a joint media briefing in Harare, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe said the move is aimed at restoring sanity in the country’s towns and cities.
“Government notes with concern proliferation of illegal vendors and night trading. We have also seen the Mushrooming of unregulated marketplaces. Vendors operate without portable water posing risk to disease outbreaks. This has created a haven for criminal activities like drug dealing. Government is therefore directing all local authorities to clear illegal vendors within 48 hours,” he said.
The local authorities will be supported by the police to ensure sanity prevails within the country’s cities, amid calls for Zimbabweans to report any corrupt activities during and after the operation that will also target pirate taxis.
“We are enforcing bylaws. There is no permission for night vending. We are also looking into the issue of designated mass markets such as the Colcom area, National Sports Stadium area and Hatcliff area,” Harare City Council Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said.
“We are also moving in to control illegal pirate taxis. Harare has 16 000 kombis and only 3 000 are registered. All kombis must be registered. We will enforce the law and we also say no to corrupt tendencies,” ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
Meanwhile, the government has assured the nation that it has enough resources to acquire essential medicines following the United States’ withdrawal of funding towards health programmes in Zimbabwe.
“We had medicines for HIV, TB and Malaria enough stocks up to the end of June. We have mobilised resources to procure medicines from June to September. In terms of service delivery, there will be no disruption and no shortage of medicines,” Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora said.
Dr Mombeshora also indicated that they are working on the recruitment of healthcare workers, with a view of doubling the current workforce by 2030.
