Blessing Nduku & Wesley Murove
Some street traders and pirate taxi operating in Gweru’s central business district are alleging that municipal police are demanding bribes to allow them sell their wares and operate in the CBD area.
This was said during the City of Gweru (CoG) engagement meeting with informal traders, commuter omnibus operators, and other key stakeholders to discuss plans to decongest the Central Business District (CBD).
The proposed relocation plan aims to improve sanitation, ease traffic flow and restore order in the city’s overcrowded commercial zones.
The meeting was attended by commuter omnibus operators, pirate taxi operators, street vendors, and pushcart operators, among other stakeholders.
However, most participants expressed skepticism about the proposal, citing corruption among municipal police who are responsible for enforcing city bylaws.
“In as much as we are here, making all these proposals, things will never change since most of the municipal officers are being bribed by us and they will keep on doing it to ensure they get something, so at the end of the day, even if you change us, we will continue operating there.”
In an effort to convince the traders, GCC officials assured them that the new designated sites, located on the city’s periphery, will feature proper infrastructure that offers protection from all weather conditions, clean and safe water, and improved ablution facilities.
Owen Masimba emphasized the commitment of GCC officials to enhance trading conditions.
“The GCC officials conveyed their commitment to the traders by stating that ‘the newly designated areas on the outskirts of the city will have adequate infrastructure, protected from various weather conditions, access to clean and safe water, as well as enhanced sanitation facilities.”
The meeting was prompted by the increasing overcrowding in the city, particularly along Robert Mugabe Road, which serves as the main route leading to most western suburbs.
Currently, various wares are being sold along pavements, obstructing pedestrians who should be able to move freely and safely.
As the consultation process continues, the City of Gweru urged informal traders to embrace the relocation plan as a step toward creating a cleaner, safer, and more organized urban environment.
Authorities pledged transparency and inclusivity in implementing the changes, while traders called for fairness and accountability, especially in the enforcement of bylaws.
