Government orders all vendors nationwide to vacate the streets within 48 hours, bans night vendors!

Harare – The Government has issued a stringent 48-hour ultimatum to all local authorities across Zimbabwe, demanding the immediate removal of vendors from the streets of cities and towns nationwide. This drastic measure includes a complete ban on night vending, citing escalating health, safety, and security concerns stemming from the recent surge in informal trading activities.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, addressing a media briefing in Harare yesterday, declared that all vendors must possess valid licences and operate exclusively from designated areas. The ultimatum comes amidst growing concerns over increased human traffic, widespread littering, and disruptions to legitimate businesses operating in central business districts.

“The Government has noted with great concern the proliferation of illegal vendors in central business districts and surrounding areas in cities and towns across the country, particularly the influx of night vendors, which has created serious health, safety, and security concerns,” Minister Garwe stated.

He emphasised the Government’s commitment to creating a safe, clean, and orderly environment for all citizens.

“Illegal vending perpetuates unsanitary conditions as vendors operate in areas without potable water and ablution facilities, which poses a significant risk for disease outbreaks such as typhoid, dysentery and cholera,” he said.

“Furthermore, the accumulation of waste from these vendors has rendered some roads, sanitary lanes, and sidewalks impassable, exacerbating public health and security issues.”

Minister Garwe reiterated that the Government is directing all local authorities to clear vendors from undesignated points within 48 hours. During this operation, local authorities will be supported by law enforcement agents to ensure the maintenance of law and order.

The Minister was firm on the issue of night vending, stating that it has no place in Zimbabwe’s formal economy.

“In the matrix of small to medium enterprises, even in our laws, there is no provision for night trading in our cities. There is no room for creating capacity for night vendors,” he said.

“Zimbabwe is an economy which operates during the day so we are not going to create a night economy which is driving hate, drug abuse, illicit deals and a lot of ugly issues. For our vendors who operate during the day, we have existing facilities where they can go and operate from,” he said.

Garwe further said local authorities are required to enforce regulations requiring all traders to hold valid licenses and operate only in designated areas that are equipped with adequate sanitary facilities.

“We are dealing with the night vendors. There is no room for creating capacity for night vendors. Zimbabwe is an economy which operates during the day. We have got facilities, existing facilities, where during the day our vendors can go and operate. What we want to disabuse ourselves of is to have people operating as vendors during the day in the Central Business District,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted the link between unregulated vending and criminal activity.

He said the rise in illegal vending has contributed to an environment conducive for criminal activities, such as theft, robbery, and drug dealing, creating significant risks for both residents and visitors.

“The lack of regulation and oversight in these areas allows criminal elements to exploit the situation, further destabilizing communities and eroding public trust in law enforcement,” he stated.

“The Government remains committed to fostering a safe, clean, and orderly environment for all citizens and will take further measures as necessary to address these challenges,” he added.

Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, speaking at the same occasion, said the city council is prepared to work towards restoring sanity in the capital.

“We are also committed as a council to the enforcement of bylaws. I stated earlier that there is no permission for night vending as the Minister said.

“Even during the daytime, there are laws that control vending. People are not supposed to operate anywhere and everywhere they see fit,” he said.

Clr Mafume said council would also consider introducing name tags on the uniforms of council police officers to enhance accountability and enable citizens to identify those involved in corrupt practices.

“I don’t see any challenge in us having name tags. If it’s the best practice that is being done by the ZRP as well, I am sure we will adopt that method as soon as possible. We need to identify and be able to know who is asking you to comply with the law. It’s international best practice and we’ll adopt it as well,” he said.

In the past, council police and the Zimbabwe Republic Police have been involved in running battles with illegal vendors in a bid to remove them from the CBD. But there have been allegations that some officers accept bribes to turn a blind eye to illegal vending activities.

In response, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister Chido Sanyatwe said the Government was prepared to root out corrupt police officers if sufficient evidence of such malpractices is provided.

Simultaneously, authorities are cracking down on errant kombi drivers to restore order and sanity in the capital city.

On the issue of unregulated kombi operations, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasised their unwavering stance on enforcing the law.

“In every entity, there are laws which regulate how we behave, how we conduct ourselves. The same applies to the kombi operators.

“We have close to 16 000 kombis, but only 2 500 to 3 000 are registered. The rest are playing hide and seek with the law. So there’s no going back in enforcing the Government’s laws, and we are not apologetic about that,” he said.

Comm Nyathi called for a shift in attitude among Zimbabweans to support the country’s development.

He said since January this year, the police have impounded nearly 10 000 vehicles, which are being screened in collaboration with the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), local government, and other relevant entities to ensure only roadworthy vehicles are permitted back on the streets.

The 48-hour ultimatum is likely to face resistance from vendors who rely on informal trading for their livelihoods, raising concerns about potential clashes with law enforcement and the economic impact on vulnerable communities. The effectiveness of the Government’s directive will depend on the willingness of local authorities to enforce the ban and provide viable alternative trading spaces for displaced vendors.