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BCC councillors urge stricter enforcement of by-laws against Zanu-PF-linked space barons
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Bulawayo city councillors have called for stricter enforcement of by-laws to address the growing chaos caused by illegal vending activities in the central business district (CBD), which they attribute to Zanu-PF-linked space barons.
The councillors voiced their concerns at a recent council meeting, stating that the unchecked spread of informal vending spaces along street pavements has turned the CBD into an unrecognizable mess, once the pride of the city.
Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu highlighted the alarming state of 5th Avenue, which has become nearly impassable due to the rising number of illegal vendors. "The congestion within 5th Avenue is worrisome as vendors have illegally occupied that space where there are no toilets, causing unhygienic conditions that increase the risk of diseases like cholera," Ndlovu said.
He further pointed out that the illegal occupation of these spaces has made it difficult for pedestrians to move freely, causing disruptions for shop owners. Many business owners have complained that vendors are obstructing customer access to their shops, worsening the disorder in the area.
Ward 3 Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu echoed Ndlovu's concerns, emphasizing the unsanitary conditions along 5th Avenue. "The area has a bad smell and is dirty, exposing the public to diseases," Mahlangu said, stressing the urgency of addressing the situation.
In response, Michael Ndiweni, director of the Bulawayo Traders and Vendors Association, distanced the association from the vendors occupying the undesignated areas. He also emphasized the risks posed by the lack of basic sanitation facilities in these spaces. "The illegal vendors occupying that area are at risk of causing and spreading diseases, as the area does not have toilets. We do not encourage such conduct from vendors," Ndiweni said.
The growing presence of Zanu-PF-linked space barons in the area has added to the frustration. Since 2022, these space barons have allegedly invaded the area along 5th Avenue, where they have been illegally allocating trading bays to ruling party members. Additionally, they are reportedly collecting weekly fees from the vendors, contributing to the growing lawlessness in the CBD.
These actions have led to a chaotic situation in the city center, with certain parts of the CBD now impassable due to the sheer number of vendors and the lack of proper urban planning. Councillors are urging the local authority to take decisive action to restore order, enforce the city's by-laws, and eliminate the influence of space barons.
The councillors' comments reflect a wider frustration among both businesses and residents who feel that the once pristine image of Bulawayo is being undermined by the rise in illegal vending and disorder. There are growing calls for the authorities to act quickly to prevent further deterioration of the city's infrastructure and public health.
The councillors voiced their concerns at a recent council meeting, stating that the unchecked spread of informal vending spaces along street pavements has turned the CBD into an unrecognizable mess, once the pride of the city.
Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu highlighted the alarming state of 5th Avenue, which has become nearly impassable due to the rising number of illegal vendors. "The congestion within 5th Avenue is worrisome as vendors have illegally occupied that space where there are no toilets, causing unhygienic conditions that increase the risk of diseases like cholera," Ndlovu said.
He further pointed out that the illegal occupation of these spaces has made it difficult for pedestrians to move freely, causing disruptions for shop owners. Many business owners have complained that vendors are obstructing customer access to their shops, worsening the disorder in the area.
Ward 3 Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu echoed Ndlovu's concerns, emphasizing the unsanitary conditions along 5th Avenue. "The area has a bad smell and is dirty, exposing the public to diseases," Mahlangu said, stressing the urgency of addressing the situation.
In response, Michael Ndiweni, director of the Bulawayo Traders and Vendors Association, distanced the association from the vendors occupying the undesignated areas. He also emphasized the risks posed by the lack of basic sanitation facilities in these spaces. "The illegal vendors occupying that area are at risk of causing and spreading diseases, as the area does not have toilets. We do not encourage such conduct from vendors," Ndiweni said.
The growing presence of Zanu-PF-linked space barons in the area has added to the frustration. Since 2022, these space barons have allegedly invaded the area along 5th Avenue, where they have been illegally allocating trading bays to ruling party members. Additionally, they are reportedly collecting weekly fees from the vendors, contributing to the growing lawlessness in the CBD.
These actions have led to a chaotic situation in the city center, with certain parts of the CBD now impassable due to the sheer number of vendors and the lack of proper urban planning. Councillors are urging the local authority to take decisive action to restore order, enforce the city's by-laws, and eliminate the influence of space barons.
The councillors' comments reflect a wider frustration among both businesses and residents who feel that the once pristine image of Bulawayo is being undermined by the rise in illegal vending and disorder. There are growing calls for the authorities to act quickly to prevent further deterioration of the city's infrastructure and public health.
Source - newsday
