By Andrew Muvishi
Informal traders in Marondera face uncertainty following an order by the municipality to vacate undesignated vending areas as local authorities move to enforce a nationwide directive to restore order in urban settlements.
The directive, issued amid a broader government push to address illegal vending, has raised concerns among vendors who rely on informal trade to support their families.
Vendors and roadside stall operators interviewed by this publication said vending had become a lifeline amid unemployment and rising living costs.
“This is how we feed our children,” said Mrs Chipo Mabika, who operates near a busy commuter route.
“If we are removed without alternatives, we will have nothing.”
The municipality says the clean-up is necessary to protect public safety, ease congestion and ensure compliance with urban planning standards.
In a notice, the local authority urged traders to register with municipal authorities to access approved vending zones.
“Traders seeking lawful and designated operating spaces are advised to register with the director of housing, health and community services of Marondera municipality.
“Registration will facilitates access to approved markets and trading zones that are compliant with municipal planning and health regulation,” reads the notice.
Residents are divided over the directive, with some welcoming the clean-up on concerns that roadside vending has blocked pavements and created traffic hazards.
Others, however, fear the enforcement action could worsen poverty in a town where informal trading is among the few accessible sources of income.
Hesitation by Residents Organisation
Marondera Residents Association chairperson Tapiwa Chengeta welcomed the initiative.
However, he has called on the municipality to provide vendors with alternative trading spaces before carrying out removals.
“We really appreciate the message sent by the council to vendors.
“However, while we acknowledge that the council is the local authority responsible for ensuring orderly trading, we believe it should first complete and allocate trading spaces to vendors.
“As far as we are aware, the council has constructed a market for vendors, but no one has yet been allocated a stand to operate from.
“We are therefore calling upon the municipality, as a matter of urgency, to ensure that vendors are allocated working spaces before any removals are carried out,” said Mr Chengeta.
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