Bulawayo Council , “Pro-Poor Policy”, Amending Vending By-laws & Accommodating Increase In Vendors

Bulawayo City Council has started amending its vending by-laws to accommodate the increasing number of vendors and allow them to operate in the city centre. Bulawayo mayor Martin Moyo recently defied a government directive to drive away street vendors from the city centre, arguing that his council had a “pro-poor policy” and would find other ways of accommodating them without disturbing formal traders.

“The process of preparing amended vending by-laws is already underway and these are at an advanced stage,” council said.

“The previous by-laws are being amended to be in line with the prevailing socio-economic environs. The draft by-laws have been prepared and have been discussed in two separate sittings with relevant stakeholders for their inputs and have been referred to legal section for scrutiny and finalisation.

“Whilst the vendors have shown a desire and need to trade, it is necessary that their activities are regulated so that they co-exist with the rest of the business community engaged in legal business operations in the city.” Source: Southern Eye

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