Mafume warns vendors against cooking in Harare CBD

Jacob Mafume, the mayor of Harare, has warned informal traders against cooking food in the city's central business district, saying the use of gas canisters and open fires in busy public areas poses serious safety and health risks.

Speaking on the issue, Mafume said authorities were increasingly concerned about the growing number of vendors preparing food in crowded parts of the city where both pedestrians and vehicles are constantly moving.

He said enforcement of the regulations primarily falls under the mandate of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

"The arresting powers are with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, but people must understand that Harare is not a refugee camp. Harare is the capital city," Mafume said.

The mayor warned that bringing cooking equipment such as gas canisters into densely populated areas could result in dangerous incidents if accidents occur.

"You cannot bring fire, especially gas canisters, in the middle of the city where people are moving up and down and where there are cars. If a fire breaks out it will destroy properties and commerce," he said.

Mafume also cautioned that unsafe food preparation in public spaces could expose the local authority to legal claims if members of the public fall ill.

"If people fall sick they will come to the city council and say that you have failed to take care of our public health," he said.

He added that any compensation claims against the city council would ultimately be borne by residents.

"At the end of the day the residents are the ones paying, so it is important that we understand that food is a serious public health issue," Mafume said.

While acknowledging that many people rely on informal trading for their livelihoods, the mayor said earning a living should not endanger public safety.

"Yes, we need to live and we need to have livelihoods, but we must not damage other people's rights. We must earn our living in a manner that does not harm other people's right to life and health," he said.