Bulawayo City Council gives vendors one week to vacate undesignated sites

The City of Bulawayo has ordered all illegal informal traders operating from undesignated areas to vacate their sites immediately and relocate to designated trading areas.

In a notice issued by Town Clerk C Dube on Thursday, 22 October 2026, the council said the move aligns with a directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for all illegal informal traders to move to designated sites voluntarily.

The council said while it values the role played by micro, small and medium enterprises in supporting livelihoods, trading from undesignated places such as road servitudes, parking bays and pavements is not allowed.

Informal traders have been advised to relocate voluntarily between Monday, 26 October and 1 November 2026. Those who wish to be accommodated have been asked to register with the city.

Verification of 2024 allocations and new applications is being undertaken at the Dugmore MSMEs Office. The council said selection will prioritise vulnerable groups, including child-headed families, female-headed families, widows, orphans, the unemployed, the elderly, people living with disabilities and those with terminal illnesses.

Applicants who are successfully vetted will be required to produce police clearance and fingerprints, passport-size photos, a copy of their national identity document and proof of residence. Those handling food will be referred to Khami Clinic for screening for communicable diseases.

Licensing will follow vetting. The annual licence fee for the central business district has been set at US$23, while suburban sites, including Highlanders, will attract US$11.50 per year. Monthly rentals are US$11.50 in the CBD and US$5.75 for suburban sites, including Highlanders.

The council has urged all affected traders to co-operate with authorities during the transition to ensure a smooth relocation.

“Your understanding and compliance is greatly appreciated,” the council said.

All MSMEs and stakeholders have been urged to comply with by-laws by moving their businesses to designated trading areas.