Kwekwe
Today the 29th of April, VISET learnt with sadness the tragic passing away of a vendor in Kwekwe. The vendor, Erita Maridza died on the spot after being run over by a speeding commuter omnibus. It is learnt that the vendor had just disembarked from a Zupco bus on her return from Kwekwe Central to procure fresh vegetable supplies for resell. The tragedy has been identified as worrisome as a lot of informal traders from the tiny town were sneaking out under the cover of darkness to go and stock up their supplies during the lockdown. The Mayor of Redcliff Clayton Masiyatsva also commented on the event as worrisome, ‘it’s unfortunate that whilst we are fighting to minimise the spread of COVID 19, we have to lose one the residents under such circumstances”. In light of this backdrop, VISET calls for motorists to drive responsibly so as to avoid human error inspired accidents and recklessness which results in loss of life. VISET is also appealing to government to release the money they promised to give to vulnerable people. The unfortunate passing away of VISET member is a loss to the informal economy and painful as it happened while she was trying to make ends meet.
Gweru
Yesterday the 28th of April 2020, the City of Gweru had a meeting with informal traders, residence and various stakeholders to discuss the city’s relocation strategy and post demolition roadmap for the affected informal traders. It is alleged that the City of Gweru confirmed that it is implementing the informal sector restructuring exercise in consultation with office of the Resident Minister for Midlands Province. Major highlights from the meeting include the following;
- All markets affected by demolitions belong to the City of Gweru, and the city father promised to commence work on the 01 of April 2020 and speedy up the upgrading process so that they are ready for occupation as soon as possible. Targeted markets include the Kombayi market, TM, Mtapa, Kudzanayi and other CBD designated areas. Majority of informal traders will be accommodated at Mtapa vending site which will accommodate an estimate of 4500 informal traders.
- Registration has been reported that it has started in earnest and is still in progress. 600 informal traders are said to have registered.
- Registration fees are pegged at 140rtgs dollars. Informal traders view the rates as exorbitant arguing that the timing is wrong since majority of them are not getting any income.
- Kudzanayi market, will strictly accommodate vendors selling consumable food items like drinks and snacks.
Source: Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET)
