Christopher Makaza

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) President, Peter Mutasa has told MDC Mayor, Hebert Gomba to desist from engaging in running battles with vendors in the CBD before finding alternative places to settle them.

Addressing people during the Workers Day commemorations in Dzivarasekwa, Mutasa urged Harare City Council (HCC) to urgently address the issue of water shortages affecting Harare and surrounding areas.

"Allow me to recognise the presence of HCC Mayor Gomba who is among us. With due respect Mayor, we want you to know that there is no water in Harare, people are relying on borehole water which is not very safe.

"May you also please re-assign those people you instructed  to chase away our vendors in town who are trying to make ends meet. You can re-reassign them to pick up litter or other cleaning duties. You must find alternative selling places first before chasing them," he said.

HCC and other MDC led urban councils have constantly been lambasted by residents for failing to deliver the required core services to rate payers.

Most suburbs in Harare have gone for months without running water, raising fears of water borne diseases like typhoid and cholera.

This year's Workers’ Day commemorations were held under the theme "We are at crossroads, unite, fight neoliberalism and austerity.