Government gives in as vendors resist order to clear out of CBD
Zimbabwean government officials have partially retreated from a strict order to remove street vendors from Harare's Central Business District. Instead, authorities are now mandating that vendors operate only between 6 AM and 6 PM, citing the need to balance business order with the high unemployment rates driving the informal sector.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the tension between urban planning and the survival strategies of a population where up to 85% rely on the informal economy.
GOVERNMENT has fallen back on its words to completely remove vendors operating in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) and instead ordered them to only sell their goods between 6AM and 6PM.
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe launched Operation Chenesa Harare last week Friday, where he supervised council officers as they tore down vending stalls in Newlands.
The ongoing operation has however been resisted, with vendors maintaining a visible presence in the CBD unperturbed by his statements.
Speaking in Harare on Thursday, recently appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government Tafadzwa Muguti appeared to be backing down from the initial, stern order and directed that they operate from morning to 6PM.
“With immediate effect, vending within all CBDs is now limited between 6AM to 6PM across all 92 local authorities,” said Muguti who was flanked by Garwe and Harare Mayor jacob Mafume.
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