Chinhoyi, Sept. 6, 2025 – Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has called for a decisive crackdown on illegal street vending across Mashonaland West province, highlighting the need to tackle public health risks and improve urban aesthetics.
Speaking during a high-level meeting at Chinhoyi Showgrounds on Friday, Garwe addressed senior officials and councillors representing all 14 local authorities in the province. The minister singled out second-hand clothing vendors, citing their role in the proliferation of bedbugs and other hygiene concerns in public spaces.
“Unregulated vending, especially of second-hand garments, exposes our communities to serious public health hazards. Bedbugs, in particular, thrive in poorly managed markets and have become a growing problem in our towns,” Garwe said. “This is not only a matter of health but also of dignity and order in our urban centres.”
The minister emphasized that the ban is part of a broader strategy to improve the appearance of towns, cities, and growth points in Mashonaland West. By restricting illegal vending, authorities aim to reduce litter and clutter, creating more organized and visually appealing public spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Enforce vending ban: Garwe
“Street trading should be regulated in a way that supports both public health and urban aesthetics. Our citizens deserve clean, safe, and well-managed public areas,” Garwe added.
While advocating for strict enforcement, Garwe urged councils to implement the ban thoughtfully. He warned against using heavy-handed tactics that could unduly harass vendors who rely on informal trade for their livelihoods. Instead, he encouraged authorities to adopt a phased approach, providing alternative spaces where affected traders can legally and safely conduct business.
“The implementation of this ban must be fair and considerate. Vendors are part of our economic ecosystem, and we need to ensure that those displaced are given viable alternatives, including designated market spaces,” the minister said.
The meeting drew attention to the challenges local authorities face in balancing economic activity with public health and safety. Many informal traders operate on sidewalks and in other public spaces, obstructing pedestrian movement and creating unsightly urban environments. According to Garwe, regulating such activities is essential not only for sanitation but also for the overall development of the province.
Local authorities were urged to map out strategic plans for reallocating informal vendors to approved trading zones. These zones, Garwe noted, should be equipped with proper waste disposal facilities, adequate shelter, and infrastructure to ensure safe and hygienic trading conditions.
“This is not about stifling business but about ensuring that business is conducted in a way that protects everyone’s health and enhances our towns,” Garwe explained. “By providing designated areas for vending, we support small-scale entrepreneurs while maintaining order in public spaces.”
The minister also called on councillors to engage with communities to communicate the rationale behind the ban. Public awareness campaigns, he suggested, would help residents understand the health risks associated with unregulated street trading and encourage cooperation with authorities.
“Community education is key. We must ensure that both vendors and residents are aware of the dangers posed by unregulated second-hand clothes vending, including the spread of bedbugs, and the importance of maintaining clean and orderly public spaces,” Garwe said.
The directive comes amid rising concerns over urban sanitation and public health across Zimbabwe. Local authorities have struggled to keep streets and public spaces free from waste and vermin, with second-hand clothing vendors often identified as contributing to these challenges.
In conclusion, Minister Garwe reiterated that the move to enforce the vending ban is aligned with national efforts to promote public health, urban cleanliness, and the orderly management of towns and cities. He urged all 14 local authorities in Mashonaland West to collaborate closely, implement the ban gradually, and ensure that displaced traders have access to designated markets that meet safety and hygiene standards.
“Together, we can create clean, safe, and vibrant urban spaces that reflect the aspirations of our people while protecting public health. Let us approach this task with fairness, planning, and a commitment to both our citizens and our traders,” Garwe concluded.
By taking a measured and strategic approach, the province aims to strike a balance between regulating informal trade and supporting the livelihoods of street vendors, ultimately fostering safer, more appealing communities across Mashonaland West.
Source – news day
