Garwe: Removal of vendors to continue indefinitely

He directed local authorities to immediately renovate and improve existing vending sites to ensure they are safe and suitable for vendors.

Garwe said the Ministry will also soon release amended Hawkers and Vendors By-Laws, which will introduce updated licensing and control measures, including provisions governing third-party-owned vending and trading sites.

In Harare, he said particular attention will be paid to the Central Business District, especially the downtown area and First Street, which he described as an important gateway and commercial corridor.

He said First Street and its surrounding areas should reflect the status and image of Zimbabwe’s capital city.

Garwe said the clean-up programme will not be a once-off operation, but an ongoing programme focused on restoration, enforcement, rehabilitation and improved service delivery.

“Our cities and towns must be places where people can work, conduct business, move safely and live in clean, orderly environments,” he said.

He called on property owners, businesses, vendors, residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with local authorities and the Government in restoring order and creating clean, safe, orderly and investment-friendly communities.

He said the programme will extend beyond major urban centres to growth points in rural areas as the Government moves to enforce standards across all local authorities.