Illegal vendors conduct clean-up exercise

Illegal vendors in Bulawayo's Ward 14 took the initiative on Saturday to conduct a clean-up exercise at the Hawkflight intersection in Cowdray Park, with the aim of impressing the local council and avoiding raids that could lead to the confiscation of their goods.

The effort was led by Leo Kashiri, chairperson of the Ward 15 health club, who emphasized that informal vending should not be criminalized. Kashiri explained that vendors, who rely on the Hawkflight intersection as a primary source of livelihood, are keenly aware of the importance of cleanliness in their working environment.

"We advised vendors to clean up this area because they are the ones who mainly use it. Whatever food we need, we buy it here. This means that if there is no cleanliness here, we are exposed to many diseases," Kashiri said. He further emphasized that maintaining a clean environment is crucial for preventing illnesses and ensuring the health of the people who rely on the area for their daily needs.

Siphilisiwe Ngwenya, leader of the Ward 15 community sweepers, echoed these sentiments and noted that the clean-up exercise was carried out under the directive of Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart.

"It was important for the vendors to take part in this initiative to ensure a safe and clean environment for everyone who depends on this area," Ngwenya said.

Ward 15 Councillor Ashton Mhlanga also praised the vendors for their efforts. He acknowledged that while it is the council's responsibility to maintain cleanliness in the city, residents can play an active role in supporting these efforts.

"It is council's duty to clean and make sure the city is clean, but as residents, we can also organise ourselves and complement the council's efforts by cleaning our environment," Mhlanga stated. He also pointed out the urgency of the situation, noting that the area had been in an unsanitary state, which led to the initiative.

"The area was extremely filthy, and that is why I, as the councillor for the area, organised this clean-up programme with the vendors. They responded very well, and I would like to urge them to organise such clean-ups every weekend to maintain a clean environment."

The collaborative clean-up between vendors and local residents underscores the community's collective responsibility to ensure a healthy and hygienic environment, which, in turn, may help improve relations between informal traders and local authorities.