by Bernard Mutambudzi.

Normalcy has returned in Harare and most suburbs surrounding the central business district (CBD) today, with people from all walks of life resuming their daily routines in jovial mood.

A snap survey by The Harare Post around the city centre showed that big shops like OK Zimbabwe, Pick &Pay, Mohammed Mussa and down shops that were last week opening doors for a minimal time to the public were fully operational.

 The MDC-Alliance-sponsored violent protests brought huge loses to most businesses in town but today its business as usual.

Commuter omnibuses and pirate taxis were also picking and dropping off passengers as usual.

Mr Maxmell Masungure from Glen Norah was full for praises for the security sector for deploying its manpower to maintain peace in the suburbs.

“I am really happy for the security sectors especially our esteemed soldiers and police officers for being there for us when we needed them,” said Masunungure.

 It was business as usual at the famous Siyaso in Mbare and Glen View, Home Industry as traders go about their routines.

Mrs Pelagia Makande from Murehwa was all smiles as he bought her furniture at the complex in Glen View.

“Imagine coming all the way from Murehwa, to find the MDC thugs barricading roads to our market place, its retrogressive,” said Mrs Makande.

“Everything has returned to normal. As you can see I have already sold $450 worth of motor spares parts this morning. The day looks promising as usual,” said Mr Mike Jomera, a motor car spares dealer in Kaguvi Street.

At Market Square, Fourth Street, Charge Office and Copa Cabana, commuters could be seen dropping off the commuting public.

Mr Matongera  a vegetable dealer at Mbare Musika said on a normal working day, they start making sales as early as 4:30am, but as of 7am today, many enquiries were now coming on because of the stay away.

It was, however, a different story today as more customers are enquiring early in the morning.

An official at Mohamad Mussa, supermarket in South Avenue, who spoke on condition of anonymity citing protocol, said business was operating as normal.

“Today, it is a completely different mood. People seem to be going about their everyday lives, which is why we have opened very early to allow our people to enjoy their shopping.”

The official said as a business they were looking forward to a calm environment for the rest of the day and going forward.

Harare Post gathered that most schools in Harare, teachers could be seen going with their normal classroom duties.