News / National
Bulawayo traders turn to wheelbarrows after pushcart ban
1 hr ago |
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Informal transport operators in Bulawayo have begun using wheelbarrows and small hand-pulled trolleys to move goods around the central business district (CBD), following the government's ban on pushcarts in the area.
The prohibition, enforced under Statutory Instrument 220 of 2023, City of Bulawayo (Clamping and Tow-away) By-laws, forbids the use of pushcarts within the CBD area bounded by Naison Kutshwekhaya Ndlovu Avenue, Lobengula Street, Joseph Msika Avenue, and Robert Mugabe Way. Municipal police officers have been impounding pushcarts operating in the restricted zone, leaving many traders without their main source of income.
In response, operators have adapted by using smaller, more mobile equipment. Mthokozisi Ndlovu, one of the affected workers, said the switch to a wheelbarrow was a survival strategy after his pushcart was seized last month.
"They took my pushcart and I could not afford the fines to get it back. I have a family to feed, so I started using a wheelbarrow because it is smaller and easier to move around without attracting too much attention from municipal police," Ndlovu explained.
Another operator, Thabiso Moyo, noted that many informal workers have had to quickly adjust to the new regulations in order to continue earning a living. "Pushcarts were our main tools for transporting goods for shop owners and vendors, but now they are banned in the CBD. Some of us are now using small trolleys or wheelbarrows just so we can continue working, even though they carry less load," he said.
The changes, however, have affected productivity and income. Trader Timothy Dube, who now uses a wheelbarrow, said the new method significantly reduces her daily earnings. "With a pushcart I could move many boxes at once, but with a wheelbarrow it takes several trips. It means I work longer hours but earn less money. Still, it is better than sitting at home with no income," she said.
The new by-laws carry strict penalties: anyone violating the regulations risks impoundment of their equipment, fines, or imprisonment if they unlawfully remove wheel clamps or vehicles from secure compounds.
Despite the restrictions, informal operators say they will continue seeking ways to adapt to survive in the challenging economic environment, highlighting the resilience of the city's informal sector.
The prohibition, enforced under Statutory Instrument 220 of 2023, City of Bulawayo (Clamping and Tow-away) By-laws, forbids the use of pushcarts within the CBD area bounded by Naison Kutshwekhaya Ndlovu Avenue, Lobengula Street, Joseph Msika Avenue, and Robert Mugabe Way. Municipal police officers have been impounding pushcarts operating in the restricted zone, leaving many traders without their main source of income.
In response, operators have adapted by using smaller, more mobile equipment. Mthokozisi Ndlovu, one of the affected workers, said the switch to a wheelbarrow was a survival strategy after his pushcart was seized last month.
"They took my pushcart and I could not afford the fines to get it back. I have a family to feed, so I started using a wheelbarrow because it is smaller and easier to move around without attracting too much attention from municipal police," Ndlovu explained.
Another operator, Thabiso Moyo, noted that many informal workers have had to quickly adjust to the new regulations in order to continue earning a living. "Pushcarts were our main tools for transporting goods for shop owners and vendors, but now they are banned in the CBD. Some of us are now using small trolleys or wheelbarrows just so we can continue working, even though they carry less load," he said.
The changes, however, have affected productivity and income. Trader Timothy Dube, who now uses a wheelbarrow, said the new method significantly reduces her daily earnings. "With a pushcart I could move many boxes at once, but with a wheelbarrow it takes several trips. It means I work longer hours but earn less money. Still, it is better than sitting at home with no income," she said.
The new by-laws carry strict penalties: anyone violating the regulations risks impoundment of their equipment, fines, or imprisonment if they unlawfully remove wheel clamps or vehicles from secure compounds.
Despite the restrictions, informal operators say they will continue seeking ways to adapt to survive in the challenging economic environment, highlighting the resilience of the city's informal sector.
Source - Cite
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