Sandra Phiri
The City of Bulawayo has launched a campaign to eliminate unauthorized trading and activities in undesignated areas, aiming to restore order and cleanliness across the city.
The initiative, effective immediately, targets informal traders, car washers, vehicle repairers, push cart operators, and heavy commercial vehicles operating in the Central Business District (CBD) and other restricted zones.
In a public notice issued on June 2, 2025, Town Clerk C. Dube emphasized the need for compliance with the city’s by-laws. “All persons conducting unauthorized informal trading on undesignated sites in the City—on the streets, pavements, roadways—are requested to cease the illegal activities forthwith,” Dube stated.
The notice also highlighted restrictions under Statutory Instrument 220 of 2023, Section 7, Item 5, which prohibits push carts in the CBD, defined as the area bounded by 3rd Avenue, Lobengula Street, 12th Avenue, and Robert Mugabe Way.
The city has designated specific sites for informal trading, including Egodini Informal Trading and Bhaktas Site, to accommodate Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other traders. “All those who are interested in trading on those sites are advised to visit the City of Bulawayo Dugmore Informal Trading offices for assistance,” Dube added, urging traders to relocate to these approved areas.
Violations of the by-laws will result in a level 1 fine and impounding costs, according to the notice. The city has already begun enforcement operations to clear unauthorized activities from public spaces. “We urge all parties to cooperate with the authorities and operate from designated sites,” Dube said, expressing gratitude for public cooperation in maintaining a clean and orderly Bulawayo.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among traders, with some welcoming the push for organization, while others face challenges relocating their businesses.
