Zanu-PF reportedly summons Garwe, Muguti over Operation Chenesa concerns

HARARE - Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe and Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti were reportedly summoned before the Zanu-PF Politburo to explain concerns surrounding the implementation of Operation Chenesa Harare, a programme aimed at removing vendors from undesignated trading sites in urban centres.

According to party sources quoted by this publication, the move followed growing criticism of the operation amid clashes between enforcement teams and informal traders, as well as concerns over the potential social and political impact of the exercise.

Operation Chenesa was launched on September 8 with a seven-day ultimatum for vendors operating at undesignated sites in Harare's central business district to relocate to designated areas.

The operation has seen municipal police, council enforcement officers and law enforcement agencies conducting patrols in areas including First Street, Speke Avenue, Robson Manyika Avenue, Julius Nyerere Way and Seke Road.

Critics of the operation argue that the enforcement exercise has proceeded before adequate alternative vending facilities have been developed and serviced.

A senior party source said discussions within the Politburo centred on the need to balance urban order with the protection of livelihoods.

"Comrades in the Politburo were clear that while cities need to be clean and organised, the livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans must also be protected. Alternative trading spaces should be provided before people are removed from their areas of operation," the source said.

The operation has attracted criticism from informal traders, residents' associations and civic groups, some of whom have raised concerns over alleged confiscation of goods, arrests and the lack of properly serviced alternative vending sites.

Zimbabwe's informal sector remains a major source of employment, with a significant proportion of the population relying on informal trading activities for income.

Sources further alleged that concerns were raised within government structures regarding the implementation of the exercise and its compatibility with broader efforts to formalise informal businesses through existing government programmes.

The operation was initially presented as an effort to restore order in urban centres, improve pedestrian and vehicular movement, enhance public health standards and enforce municipal by-laws.

However, critics contend that designated markets in areas such as Mupedzanhamo, Glen View, Coca-Cola and Jabangwe continue to face infrastructure challenges, including inadequate water supply, sanitation facilities, lighting and security.

According to sources, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has been encouraged to prioritise dialogue, the allocation of lawful vending bays and enforcement measures that respect the dignity and rights of traders.

Efforts to obtain comment from Garwe and Muguti were unsuccessful at the time of publication.