News / National
Bulawayo cracks down on informal trading
05 Jun 2025 at 10:13hrs | Views
The City of Bulawayo (BCC) has announced a swift and decisive crackdown on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other traders operating in undesignated areas within the city centre.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube revealed that the operation targets unauthorised informal trading activities occurring on roadways, pavements, and other non-designated sites in the central business district (CBD).
"The Council is, with immediate effect, conducting an exercise to remove all unauthorised activities so as to restore order and cleanliness in the city," Dube said.
The crackdown focuses on pushcart vendors, individuals washing and repairing vehicles outside approved locations, as well as commuter omnibuses and buses loading or offloading passengers at undesignated areas.
Dube urged informal traders to relocate to designated informal trading sites within the CBD and suburban areas. "All those who are interested in trading on those sites are advised to visit the City of Bulawayo Dugmore Informal Trading offices for assistance," he added.
He further warned that any unauthorised trading would be dealt with under the city's bylaws. In particular, he cited Statutory Instrument 220 of 2023, section 7, item 5, which prohibits pushcarts in the CBD bounded by 3rd Avenue, Lobengula Street, 12th Avenue, and Robert Mugabe Street.
"Any violations will attract a level 1 fine and impounding costs," Dube said.
This crackdown follows recent enforcement actions by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), which saw major flea markets like Unity Village, Haddon & Sly, and Mthize in Bulawayo shut down amid demands for proof of legal importation of goods.
The ZIMRA raids resulted in hundreds of flea market traders losing their sources of income, intensifying concerns over the affordability of import duties and the sustainability of the informal economy.
Observers have called for constructive dialogue between government bodies, the city council, and small business operators to ensure compliance with regulations while preserving the viability of informal trading, which remains a critical livelihood for many.
The City of Bulawayo's crackdown aims to balance economic activity with public order, cleanliness, and safety in the city centre.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube revealed that the operation targets unauthorised informal trading activities occurring on roadways, pavements, and other non-designated sites in the central business district (CBD).
"The Council is, with immediate effect, conducting an exercise to remove all unauthorised activities so as to restore order and cleanliness in the city," Dube said.
The crackdown focuses on pushcart vendors, individuals washing and repairing vehicles outside approved locations, as well as commuter omnibuses and buses loading or offloading passengers at undesignated areas.
Dube urged informal traders to relocate to designated informal trading sites within the CBD and suburban areas. "All those who are interested in trading on those sites are advised to visit the City of Bulawayo Dugmore Informal Trading offices for assistance," he added.
"Any violations will attract a level 1 fine and impounding costs," Dube said.
This crackdown follows recent enforcement actions by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), which saw major flea markets like Unity Village, Haddon & Sly, and Mthize in Bulawayo shut down amid demands for proof of legal importation of goods.
The ZIMRA raids resulted in hundreds of flea market traders losing their sources of income, intensifying concerns over the affordability of import duties and the sustainability of the informal economy.
Observers have called for constructive dialogue between government bodies, the city council, and small business operators to ensure compliance with regulations while preserving the viability of informal trading, which remains a critical livelihood for many.
The City of Bulawayo's crackdown aims to balance economic activity with public order, cleanliness, and safety in the city centre.
Source - NewsDay
