Bulawayo City Council steps up efforts to restore order in CBD

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced plans to maintain a strong security presence at key vending sites and illegal commuter pick-up points in the Central Business District (CBD) as part of its ongoing drive to ensure order and compliance with city by-laws. The council has also begun training additional municipal police officers to bolster these efforts.

After years of grappling with lawlessness in the CBD, which disrupted businesses and daily life, BCC's recent recruitment drive added 172 new municipal police officers. The newly deployed officers have focused on curbing unauthorised passenger pick-ups and chaotic street vending, particularly along 6th Avenue - a hotspot for illegal activity.

In a statement, BCC acknowledged that the increased enforcement operations have led to noticeable improvements in order and compliance within the CBD but stressed that efforts will continue until normalcy is fully restored.

"The police are dedicated to maintaining order and safeguarding the city's infrastructure. To achieve this, their focus is on enforcing compliance with by-laws, especially in high-traffic areas like informal trading and public transport," the statement read.

BCC noted that while efforts are concentrated on high-risk areas, the deployment of officers will remain adaptable to address challenges in various parts of the city.

"Currently, the municipal police's efforts are concentrated on the sectors where disorder and potential infrastructure damage risks are highest. Adjustments in deployment will occur as the situation warrants, ensuring effective responses to ongoing challenges," the statement continued.

The council also acknowledged the need for additional resources, such as transportation, to enhance the efficiency of their operations and maintain cleanliness and order throughout the city.

The CBD has long struggled with unauthorised commuter pick-up points near fast-food outlets and informal street vending, including maize roasting stands that have mushroomed across street corners. These activities had escalated into widespread chaos, prompting BCC to take decisive action.

With the recent recruitment and training efforts, BCC says it is now better equipped to address these challenges. However, ongoing training remains a priority to ensure the sustainability of operations and comprehensive coverage throughout the city.

"The ongoing training of municipal police officers is essential for the sustainability of our operations and for ensuring comprehensive coverage across the city," BCC said in its statement.

The council remains committed to enforcing by-laws and restoring order to the CBD, emphasizing that the presence of municipal police officers will remain a permanent and strategic part of their urban management strategy.