NEW: Bulawayo vendors ignore BCC ultimatum

Peter Matika

ITS business as usual for vendors operating in Bulawayo’s central business district (CBD), as they are seemingly unfazed by Bulawayo City Council’s (BCC) announcement of a relocation deadline set for today.

While some vendors expressed a willingness to move if the process is organised, others raised concerns about the expenses involved in relocating and establishing themselves in a new location.

The BCC’s announcement on Tuesday has sparked worries among vendors about their future, with many fearing that a move could jeopardise their customer base.

“I can understand the council’s intentions but they need to consider the people who rely on this space. We are not just numbers we are families,” said Miss Nomalanga Maphosa.

BCC also banned pushcarts from the CBD in line with the recent Government directive to restore sanity and clear city centres of illegal informal trading activity.

The decision follows widespread concerns over rampant illegal vending operations in towns and cities including night vending and pushcarts, which have been blamed for frustrating formal business operations, harbouring criminality, indiscriminate littering and violations of public health and safety regulations.

Bulawayo Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, said all traders operating along 5th Avenue will be relocated to the Bhaktas 2 Site, located along Lobengula Street and 2nd Avenue.