Patience Rashai

Mbare traders have applauded council over the removal of illegal structures over the weekend, expressing enthusiasm that this would restore sanity in the ‘filthy’ streets of Mbare paving way for a proper business environment.

Despite previous efforts by Government to build the Mbare traders market, Siyaso and Mupedzanhamo complex, informal traders have found their way to erect illegal structures along the high density’s streets, creating a filthy and unsafe environment for the transacting consumers.

Speaking to Mr Everson Mutume, a retail trader by Mwamuka shops, he expressed optimism that business would start booming for traders in the retail sector since their stocks were usually being side-lined readily available products sold by illegal traders along the roadside.

“The major problem with these illegal traders is their unfair advantage over big retailers because we are both wrestling for the same consumers yet illegal traders have the convenience of providing the same products anywhere (along the streets) at little cost.  

“Whilst some of us bear the burden of remitting taxes to Government and probably pay rentals, these traders have no expenses to meet except the cheap material which they use to erect their structures, hence this is a welcome move.” 

Confederation of Zimbabwean Retailers (CZR) President, Denford Mutashu, equally applauded this move describing it as the necessary requisite towards revival and sustainability of the retail sector.

“Often formal retailers and consumers have complained over shortage of basic commodities in supermarkets yet they always find their way to the informal market. As such this is one such way that the sector remains vibrant,” he said.