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Abigail Mawonde Herald Reporter
Harare City Council has, with immediate effect, banned weekend street vending in the Central Business District following an outcry by motorists and the public.

The city’s principal communications officer Mr Michael Chideme confirmed the development in an interview with The Herald yesterday.

He said the ban was part of a cocktail of measures aimed at bringing back sanity in the city.

“Harare City Council has scrapped off on-street weekend vending along Park Lane, Rezende and Park Street to allow other users to access the roads,” he said.

The streets were a hive of activity on weekends as vendors sold wares ranging from second-hand clothes to fruits.

“The decision follows widespread concerns by motorists, business operators and weekend shoppers who have been complaining over failure to access businesses, offices and other services along these roads,” added Mr Chideme.

He said council had provided enough space for vendors outside the city centre from which to operate.

Mr Chideme urged informal traders to stick to designated trading sites to avoid unnecessary clashes with council. Most of the on-street weekend traders sold second-hand imported clothes and shoes.

Government has since banned the importation of second-hand clothing.

Last week, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa said the ban sought to reduce competition between imports and local products, a factor which had adversely affected the local industry.