Govt Acts on Gweru CBD Disorder

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Honorable Albert Mavunga ,  announced that the government is assessing illegal vending sites in urban areas with the intention of relocating informal traders to designated markets.

He made the remarks during a stakeholder meeting attended by the Minister of State for Midlands Province, the Mayor of Gweru, councillors, and senior government officials.

Authorities say the rapid increase of unregulated vending sites, particularly in Central Business Districts, has become a major security, health, and sanitation challenge.

According to the Deputy Minister, night vending has heightened safety concerns and created opportunities for criminal activity.

“The proliferation of illegal vendors has created serious security, health, and safety concerns,” tDeputy Minister Mavunga said.

He added that the mushrooming of informal markets disrupts operations of law-abiding businesses and contributes to unfair competition and financial losses for registered traders.

Government officials say some vending areas have become hotspots for criminal activities, including theft, robbery, and drug dealing.

The Deputy Minister warned that unsanitary conditions around informal markets increase the risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera.

Despite these concerns, the Deputy Minister acknowledged that vendors have legitimate expectations of service delivery from local authorities.

“There is need for proper vending facilities with adequate public ablutions and safe water,” he said.

The relocation initiative is expected to align with the government’s development strategy, with authorities pledging to continue engaging vendors and community members before implementation.