BCC launches blitz against vendors

THE Bulawayo City Council yesterday launched a blitz against informal traders operating at undesignated areas. The operation, that is meant to bring sanity back to the city, sparked clashes between municipal police officers and vendors whose wares were confiscated.

Council vehicles were witnessed moving around the city confiscating wares from informal traders.

The government recently directed local authorities countrywide to restore order in cities and towns.

BCC senior public relations officer Nesisa Mpofu yesterday said the city's operation was in compliance with a directive issued by the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Saviour Kasukuwere.

"This is an operation that is meant to bring sanity in the city in line with the minister's directive. We have held three stakeholders meetings and spoke to the leadership of traders' associations on the importance of keeping the city clean," said Mpofu.

"All informal traders are encouraged to regularise their businesses through acquiring licences and selling authorised goods at designated vending sites. As at June 26, 2015, the council had 6,240 vacant bays around the city, which should be utilised by vendors."

She said the exercise was also targeting people who throw litter around the city or in the residential areas.