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Innocent Ruwende Municipal Reporter
HARARE City Council has pocketed $1,2 million from informal traders operating from its markets including Mupedzanhamo and Mbare Musika between January and May this year.

According to the recent minutes of the Informal Sector Committee, acting Housing and Community Services director Retired Major Mathew Marara reported that $1 259 866 has been collected by May 31.

“A total of $259 973,20 was therefore supposed to be retained representing the 20 percent to be ploughed back to develop infrastructure as per council resolution but had not been released. The committee expressed concern on the failure to release 20 percent retention for development of home industries and flea markets.”

The committee reiterated the need for enforcement on vendors trading at designated sites but not paying to council.

The report noted that at times the market places required small amounts of money for refurbishment. The refurbishment includes installation of rolling chains, boom gates and erection of security walls. The committee resolved that the human capital director Dr Cainos Chingombe should ensure council by-laws were enforced to rid the city of illegal traders.

Rtd Major Marara said registration of home industry traders operating at Glen View Area 8 along Willowvale Road opposite the existing Glen View 8 factory shells commenced on April 26 this year.

At least $829 has been collected so far from traders paying $1,25 a day.

“He (Rtd Major Marara) reported that the Flea Market traders operating illegally near the Granville Cemetery opposite Boka Tobacco Auction Floors have been trading on site for more than five years. The site was owned by council and zoned for commercial use.”

“The registration and regularisation on temporary basis commenced on June, 2 this year. A total of 800 traders were registered on site. Anticipated weekly revenue potential amounted to $7 000 at the rate of $1,25 per day per trader. Harare Water connected water supply on the site. The market is currently operating on seasonal basis,” reads the minutes.