> Let's Forward this Post Everywhere ❕ *Bulawayo City Council intensifies crackdown on illegal street vendors* Also Read Below: *Bulawayo City Council collects US$2,000 in environment fines* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDkMuTFCCoNC13vvo2V _*©Eragon Online News*_ *_(Follow this channel to read more...)_* *Group Link:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/CDyzvhE1ey5H89lorhyIvn THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has initiated a city-wide crackdown on illegal street vending, with intensified day and night raids now underway in the Central Business District (CBD). The operation aims to rigorously enforce existing by-laws and remove unlicensed traders from undesignated areas. These active raids, confirmed by a survey conducted by The Chronicle, are taking place across the city, resulting in the confiscation of goods from illegal vendors and the issuance of fines. Most of the seized items include fresh produce, pushcarts, various snacks and clothing. Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, confirmed that the council had initiated a series of operations aimed at decongesting the city and encouraging vendors to operate from designated trading zones. “Yes, there is an ongoing operation, but what I must stress is that it needs to be carried out humanely. We are not depriving people of a means of earning a living, but are simply encouraging them to operate within the city’s by-laws. Bulawayo Mayor Councilor David Coltart “There are designated places where people can register for vending bays, and we encourage them to do so,” said Councillor Coltart. Earlier this month, BCC issued a warning to all Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as other traders operating in unauthorised areas, urging them to comply with city regulations. The council stated that all individuals conducting illegal informal trading at undesignated sites —including streets, pavements, roadways, car washing, vehicle repairs, operating commuter omnibuses and buses, making deliveries on the streets, using pushcarts, and running heavy commercial vehicles within the CBD — must cease such activities immediately. “Council is, with immediate effect, conducting an exercise to remove all unauthorised activities in order to restore order and cleanliness in the city. “The city has designated informal trading sites within the CBD and suburban areas, which include Egodini Informal Trading and Bhaktas Site. Bulawayo City Council (BCC) “All those interested in trading at these sites are advised to visit the City of Bulawayo Dugmore Informal Trading offices for assistance,” said Bulawayo Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube. He said that any unauthorised trading would be dealt with in accordance with the city’s by-laws. “In addition, under SI 220 of 2023 Section 7, Item 5, pushcarts are not permitted within the Central Business District bounded by 3rd Avenue, Lobengula Street, 12th Avenue and Robert Mugabe Way. “Any violations will attract a Level 1 fine and impounding charges. We urge all parties to co-operate with the authorities and to operate only from designated sites. The City of Bulawayo thanks you for your co-operation,” said Mr Dube. For some time, Bulawayo’s CBD has been plagued by informal traders selling everything from fresh produce to second-hand clothing, often in unsanitary conditions and without proper licences. This situation has negatively affected the city’s aesthetic appeal and posed health risks to consumers. The council’s crackdown has received mixed reactions. Some residents have welcomed it as a much-needed step towards revitalising the city, while others are concerned about the impact on the livelihoods of affected traders. As the raids continue, many informal vendors are being forced to relocate to designated markets or risk having their goods confiscated. While some have complied with the council’s directives, others have resisted, citing challenges such as high costs and poor accessibility of the designated sites. “The allocated places are not conducive to business. They’re just too far and not easily accessible to customers who work within the CBD,” said Mr Tawanda Bere. Another vendor described the situation as a constant game of cat and mouse, highlighting the need for vigilance at all times. “It’s difficult to operate because they’re always patrolling the city, raiding us. We’re now forced to hide our goods and only carry or display a few items at a time, because if they seize everything, we lose a lot,” said Ms Sithabile Lunga, a vegetable vendor operating outside a city shop. The BCC has remained resolute in its determination to enforce the law and maintain order within the city. By removing unauthorised traders from the CBD, the council hopes to attract more investors and boost economic activity in the area. The initiative is also expected to improve overall cleanliness and safety, making Bulawayo a more pleasant place for residents and visitors alike to live, work, and shop. The city recently announced it had secured US$200 000 in funding from the Government of Switzerland to develop Bhaktas Market, located along Lobengula Street and Second Avenue. Once completed, Bhaktas Market will accommodate up to 500 vendors in designated stalls, purpose-built to provide a dignified trading environment complete with ablution facilities and other essential amenities. *Bulawayo City Council collects US$2,000 in environment fines* The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has collected more than US$2,600 from environmental fines while still being owed over US$3,300, according to a new report from the council's Parks Section detailing intensified operations against environmental violations. The report, presented by the Director of Housing and Community Services, Dictor Khumalo, outlined extensive efforts to curb illegal activities such as gold panning, sand poaching, wood harvesting, and the illegal sale of gas. Khumalo said degradation of key water catchment areas had prompted joint patrols involving BCC rangers, Esigodini police, and other stakeholders. The report confirmed the arrest of seven illegal gold panners, bringing the total number of arrests since January to 23. A total of 49 tools-including two metal detectors-were confiscated and handed over to police. "During the month under review, 86 surveillance patrols were conducted, bringing the cumulative number to 420 since the start of the year," the report stated. In operations targeting sand poaching and wood harvesting, five trucks were impounded for extracting sand without permission. Additionally, 61 environmental tickets were issued, with 36 offenders having paid fines amounting to US$2,623.88. However, 25 tickets remain unpaid, valued at US$3,346.39. On April 12, BCC rangers, in collaboration with police and local farmers, conducted an anti-wood poaching blitz that resulted in the impounding of five trucks, one van, a Honda Fit, and five scotch carts. In a separate operation on April 30, BCC rangers teamed up with the city's fire brigade to crack down on illegal gas dealers. The exercise led to the confiscation of 22 gas scales for violating environmental safety regulations. Meanwhile, the council reported that 25 trucks collected pit sand from two designated extraction sites, generating US$290 in revenue. However, the report noted the need for urgent road repairs leading to the extraction sites to boost revenue and prevent illegal digging. The report also highlighted the growing nuisance posed by stray donkeys in suburban areas such as Cowdray Park, Pumula, and Magwegwe North, especially near peri-urban fringes. "The Land Inspectorate Department remains severely incapacitated in dealing with the issue due to transport challenges, as the rangers' utility truck is still held up at the workshop," the report added. City officials are calling for improved logistical support and coordination between departments to enhance enforcement and protect Bulawayo's fragile environment from further degradation. Bulawayo24news