Tendai Ziso

The Harare City Council has announced a joint operation with the central Government to remove all street vendors from the capital. The operation is expected to be in full swing today.

The development was announced by City of Harare director of housing and community services, Addmore Nhekairo during the launch of the revenue collection blitz.

He said the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works will join hands with the local authority to remove illegal vendors from the Central Business District .

“That one is a serious issue and is going to be done by council and central Government,” he said.

Street vending has become a ubiquitous feature of Zimbabwe’s urban landscape, with thousands of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to second-hand clothing. While the practice has been met with resistance from authorities, it remains a vital source of income for many Zimbabweans.

The rise of street vending in Zimbabwe can be attributed to the country’s economic woes, including high unemployment rates and a shortage of formal job opportunities. Many people have turned to street vending as a way to make ends meet, often selling goods and services in informal markets or on street corners.