Bulawayo councillors alarmed by illegal food vending

Bulawayo councillors have expressed growing concern over the rise in illegal food vending activities across the city, warning that the trend poses serious public health and environmental risks.

Ward 25 councillor Aleck Ndlovu said the city's health standards were deteriorating due to the increasing number of unregulated vendors operating from street corners and vehicle boots.

He said cooked food was now commonly being sold in unsanitary conditions, exposing consumers to potential health hazards. Ndlovu stressed that licensed operators complied with council regulations, while illegal vendors often ignored bylaws governing hygiene, designated trading areas and waste management.

According to Ndlovu, many vendors prepare food in makeshift kitchens and use plastic containers without proper sanitation measures, creating risks for consumers and surrounding communities.

The councillor also linked the problem to worsening littering in the city, saying illegal vendors frequently dump food waste, plastic packaging and polystyrene containers into streets and drainage systems instead of using designated waste disposal facilities.

Areas such as Nkulumane and Emakhandeni have reportedly experienced blocked storm drains and localised flooding partly attributed to improperly discarded waste.

Ndlovu further raised concern over illegal night trading at overnight car parks, saying many vendors deliberately operate after dark to avoid council enforcement officers.

He called for stronger enforcement of council bylaws and warned that vendors operating outside legal requirements would face stricter action as authorities move to restore order and protect public health.