Government Pushes for Orderly Vending and Sustainable MSME Growth in Bulawayo

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to orderly urban management and improved service delivery, as it moves to address the challenge of illegal vending in cities.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the Bulawayo City Council Chambers, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable A.T. Mavhunga, said the Government’s approach to vending relocation is aimed at creating safe, dignified and sustainable trading environments, while ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.

The meeting focused on assessing illegal vending sites and inspecting proposed relocation areas, allowing Government to evaluate progress made by local authorities, identify gaps and offer policy guidance in line with existing legislation.

Hon. Mavhunga commended local authorities and stakeholders for their cooperation, stressing that vendor relocation is not an end in itself but a strategy to promote urban order, protect public health and safety, and support sustainable livelihoods.

He acknowledged the critical role played by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in sustaining livelihoods and driving local economies, noting that they are an important pillar in Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle-income economy.

However, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need to balance economic activity with orderly urban planning, environmental health and public safety.

“This engagement is guided by the Government’s No Compromise to Service Delivery Blueprint, which demands efficient, consistent and uninterrupted service delivery by local authorities,” he said.

Hon. Mavhunga noted that illegal vending in undesignated areas often disrupts refuse collection, sanitation services and access to public infrastructure, creating challenges for both councils and traders.

He reminded local authorities that their actions are grounded in the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], which empowers councils to regulate land use, designate vending sites and enforce compliance with by-laws in a lawful and transparent manner. He also highlighted the need for compliance with Minimum Service Delivery Standards to ensure trading spaces are safe, clean and sustainable.

The Deputy Minister praised Bulawayo City Council for accommodating 4,488 traders in the Central Business District and 4,691 in suburban areas, describing the effort as commendable. However, he expressed concern over the more than 2,000 unregulated traders still operating in the CBD, which he said contributes to congestion and strains city services.

He further revealed that of the 11,047 planned vending bays in suburban areas, only 4,691 are currently occupied, leaving over 6,300 bays unused.

Calling for a collaborative approach guided by the principles of devolution and decentralisation, Hon. Mavhunga urged the Bulawayo City Council to ring-fence funds for the development and upgrading of MSME workspaces.

“This should be viewed not as an expense, but as an investment in the city’s economic future and social stability,” he said.

He encouraged traders to operate from designated sites, assuring them that regulation is meant to protect their safety and support legitimate, long-term business growth.

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Minister outlined a vision of an organised and decentralised economy, with vibrant suburban markets, an orderly Central Business District and decent trading spaces for all MSME operators.

“This is a shared journey,” he said. “Government, local authorities and traders must each play their part in building resilient urban economies that promote dignity, order and prosperity.”