Rusape, Chipinge Target Illegal Businesses
By Lovemore Kadzura
Local authorities in Manicaland Province have started enforcing the Government’s Operation Chenesa campaign. They are removing illegal businesses and vendors from areas not designated for trading.
The operation aims to restore order and cleanliness in urban centres. As a result, businesses and informal traders must now operate from approved sites and follow municipal regulations.
What the councils are targeting
Councils are identifying illegal structures, unlicensed businesses and vendors. Many of these operators trade on roadsides, pavements and other areas not meant for trading.
In addition, authorities expect the exercise to decongest central business districts. It should also improve sanitation and the general appearance of towns.
Rusape removes illegal containers
At the weekend, Rusape Town Council removed containers that some illegal businesses were using. Council spokesperson Mr Lloyd Makumana urged vendors and business operators to comply with municipal by-laws. He also told them to relocate to designated trading areas, otherwise they risk enforcement action.
“We are implementing the directive from the central government that all illegal activities must stop with immediate effect,” he said.
The council has issued notices to people running illegal tuck-shops, mobile cash cabins, welding, carpentry, LP gas cubicles and hair salons. Notices also went to businesses operating from containers and makeshift steel or wooden structures. These operate in the Central Business District, industrial areas and shopping centres without proper authorisation, permits or valid lease agreements.
“Business persons are advised to observe their lease agreements, and those operating illegally should cease all business operations with immediate effect,” said Mr Makumana.
He added that the council has begun removing illegal structures and equipment. “We want to bring order and sanity in town,” he said.
Chipinge relocates vendors
Meanwhile, Chipinge Town Council chairman Councillor Kingston Dhlumo said the process is progressing well. He said illegal activities have stopped in the town, and the council is relocating illegal vendors to proper sites with ablution facilities.
“We started by educating our residents on the need to adhere to the regulations,” said Councillor Dhlumo.
He acknowledged that council must also protect livelihoods, since most people earn a living from the informal sector. However, he said traders had overrun the central business district by operating from undesignated places such as pavements.
“We have begun relocating these informal traders to proper sites,” he said. “The council is trying its best to find suitable alternative operating places for them. We want to come up with structures with all amenities, including ablution facilities.”
Government push for order
Operation Chenesa comes as Government intensifies efforts to bring order to towns and cities across the country. Local authorities must therefore make sure nobody occupies public spaces illegally.
Residents can also support the clean-up by keeping their towns clean. They should report illegal activities to the responsible authorities.
The local authorities say the operation will continue. Their goal is to maintain a clean, orderly and properly regulated urban environment.
Reporting based on original coverage by The Herald.
