By Karen Mkwate & Michelle Makunike
Gweru Mayor Josiah Makombe has assured residents that the local authority will soon relocate Mtapa illegal markets to a more suitable place.
“The area is not conducive for any business especially when you are selling food, so we had to make a decision that those people are relocated somewhere,” Makombe said
Clr Makombe recently visited Mtapa illegal markets and was disheartened by what he saw, people selling under Zesa cables which is unsafe.
Speaking to The Sun, Clr Makombe said, “I had a tour of the illegal market place in Mtapa where people are selling fresh vegetables under Zesa cables which is very dangerous because we are in the rainy season and anything can happen, he said.
Makombe guaranteed vendors that within the coming two to three days the area will be ready for all those vendors at Mtapa illegal markets to relocate and operate.
“Whilst we are still waiting for some renovations at Kombayi and Kudzanai terminus to be complete in about two to three days the temporary space for vendors will be functioning”, he said.
Vendors are expected to pay a certain amount as tax, a figure will be put in place and there is going to be mechanisms and modalities on how payments are made.
Makombe however urged residents to not forget that Covid19 is still amongst us and to observe the WHO guidelines, maintaining social distancing, mask up covering the nose and the mouth and sanitising hands frequently.
