Vendors operating along 5th Avenue are urging the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to allow them to continue their business activities as the local authority prepares for bay reallocation in the area.
The BCC had proposed a one-week closure of the area for refurbishments. This decision comes after the recent opening of 5th Avenue for vending, following the council’s resolution to temporarily allocate 500 informal trading bays there. The closure nullifies previous council resolutions of June 3, 2020, and December 7, 2022, affecting the portion of 5th Avenue which will now have two riding lanes and vending bays for the 500 informal traders.
At a recent meeting held between various vendor associations and the city council, it was communicated that the temporary closure is necessary for proper bay demarcation and allocation to registered vendors. Mr. Dumisani Ncube, the chairperson of the Working Group, stated that the BCC requires at least one week to complete the necessary work before reallocating the bays.
However, this proposal faced resistance from traders who voiced concerns about their livelihoods, stating that surviving without trading for a week is untenable.
Despite this, vendors continue to operate on 5th Avenue while awaiting further instructions from the city council.
VENDORS IN BULAWAYO
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In an interview, Ms. Elita Ndlovu proposed that the council works on one segment at a time, allowing vendors to continue trading during renovations. She emphasized the importance of maintaining their daily income, given their hand-to-mouth existence.
Acknowledging the multiple functions of the road, including parking, informal trading, and vehicular traffic movement, the BCC asserts that the temporary closure aims to balance these needs. Additionally, it aligns with the city’s strategy to enhance local economic development by providing accessible and affordable working spaces.
Furthermore, the council plans to establish a new vending site for clothing and fruits along Lobengula Street, demonstrating its commitment to improving order and sanity in the city. This initiative follows the removal of commuter omnibuses from undesignated areas following the reopening of Egodini.
