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Bulawayo City Council has availed new vending stalls to vendors, a move which is aimed at formalising and promoting the informal sector.
Mayor of the city Councillor Thaba Moyo on Tuesday officially handed over stands at five locations that include Entumbane, Nketa 6 and Phase 1 at Emganwini. These stalls, which accommodate six vendors each were constructed by Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust four months ago as a contribution towards the promotion of informal sector.
Speaking at the the ceremony at Entumbane Shopping Centre Councillor Moyo said the stalls will minimise damage to vendors’ wares as they have shade to protect vegetables. He further advised residents to protect their stands to minimise vandalism.
“These stands are meant to protect you and your vegetables from intense heat and rainfall to make the whole vending process comfortable. I however challenge each beneficiary to take responsibility and guard their stands as the stand no longer belongs to the council but to that person,” said Moyo.
Meanwhile, most residents at all the locations where the handover was done expressed their gratitudes to the local authority’s efforts. They however raised concerns that the stands were too few.
“We thank the council for a job well done because these stands will increase our hygiene at the vending sites. These stands are however too few and we fear they might generate conflict among us vendors as those who did not benefit will feel excluded,” said Esther Lefi a vendor from Entumbane.
The Mayor toured each location where he presented the stalls to selected beneficiaries.
