Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Bulawayo – The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has issued a stern warning to all individuals engaging in illegal activities in the city center, including unauthorized trading, car washing, vehicle repairs, and the operation of heavy commercial vehicles in undesignated areas.
In a notice released today, the BCC announced an immediate enforcement operation to clear such activities in a bid to restore order and cleanliness in the central business district (CBD).
“The City of Bulawayo would like to inform all Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) stakeholders, as well as other traders operating from undesignated areas, to comply with the city’s by-laws,” read the statement.
The council specifically listed illegal street vending, car repairs, commuter omnibus and bus operations, street deliveries, pushcart operations, and the presence of heavy trucks in the CBD as prohibited activities.
“All persons conducting unauthorized informal trading on undesignated sites—including streets, pavements, and roadways—must cease these illegal activities forthwith,” the notice stated.
To accommodate traders, the BCC highlighted designated informal trading sites such as Egodini Informal Trading Market and Bhaktas Site, urging those interested in legal operations to relocate.
“Any unauthorised trading will be dealt with in accordance with the city’s by-laws,” the council warned, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to violations.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to enhance urban management and ensure compliance with municipal regulations.
Businesses and individuals operating illegally have been given no grace period, with enforcement actions expected to commence immediately.
Residents and traders are advised to adhere to the directive or face penalties as stipulated under Bulawayo’s bylaws.
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