Zimpapers Logo

Michael-Chideme

Samantha Chigogo Herald Reporter
Harare City Council has started constructing vending booths and cloakrooms as part of efforts to restore sanity in the Central Business District. City spokesman Mr Michael Chideme, said more than 1 000 registered vendors would benefit. “We have contracted Imanya, a construction company and it has started constructing vending booths at Fourth Street with a capacity to accommodate 240 vendors. We are also creating space for 60 more.

“At corner Samora Machel Avenue and Chinhoyi Street, booths with a capacity for more 300 vendors are also taking shape,” he said.

“Some of these vending booths have been designed with mobile ablution facilities for improved sanitation. We are keen to provide a working solution for city vendors.”

He said the booths were only open to registered vendors.

“Only registered vendors will benefit from this initiative,” said Mr Chideme.

He said council had constructed over 600 vending booths and would put up more once they had gauged the effectiveness and acceptability of the project.

Most vendors welcomed the booths initiative.

“We have been facing difficulties in storing our goods. Often we are forced to carry our valuables home everyday, especially since the fire that destroyed bales of clothing at a footbridge in the city,” said a clothing vendor.

Mr Chideme said council was also constructing cloakrooms at the Seke/Cripps Road junction.

Vendors will pay $0,50 for overnight storage of their goods.

“More cloakrooms will be put up at the holding bay, City Sports (Centre) and other designated markets,” said Mr Chideme.

He urged shop owners to desist from conniving with illegal vendors.

“We cannot have a situation where we are trying to relocate vendors outside the streets, but have some people conniving to keep them illegally operational,” he said.