Bulawayo Vendors Given Seven Days to Move to Approved Markets

By Staff Staff Reporter

The City of Bulawayo has given informal traders operating from undesignated sites seven days to relocate to council-approved markets, as the government-led Operation Chenesa campaign continues to target illegal vending and structures.

In a notice dated October 22, 2026, Town Clerk Christopher Dube said affected traders must register with the council between October 26 and November 1 to be considered for alternative trading spaces.

The directive follows instructions from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works requiring informal traders operating from unauthorised locations to move to designated sites.

Council has warned that trading along road servitudes, parking bays and pavements violates municipal by-laws.

However, the relocation exercise has raised concerns about whether the approved markets have sufficient space for all affected vendors and whether the process will protect the livelihoods of people who depend on informal trading.

Operation Chenesa has attracted criticism over the removal of vendors and the destruction of informal businesses and homes, with critics drawing comparisons to the controversial 2005 Operation Murambatsvina, which left thousands of people across Zimbabwe without homes or sources of income.

Critics argue that removing informal traders without addressing unemployment and the limited availability of formal jobs risks worsening the economic challenges facing vulnerable households.

Vulnerable traders to get priority

According to the council notice, verification of existing 2024 trading-bay allocations and consideration of new applications will be handled through the Dugmore MSMEs Office.

Priority will be given to vulnerable groups, including child-headed and female-headed households, widows, orphans, unemployed people, elderly citizens, persons with disabilities and people with terminal illnesses.

Successful applicants will be required to submit police clearance, fingerprints, passport-sized photographs, a copy of their national identity document and proof of residence.

Traders intending to sell food will also be referred to Khami Clinic for screening for communicable diseases before licences are issued.

Council sets trading fees

The local authority has set annual trading licence fees at US$23 for sites in the central business district (CBD) and US$11.50 for suburban locations, including Highlanders.

Monthly rentals will cost US$11.50 for CBD trading spaces and US$5.75 for suburban sites, including Highlanders.

The fees, registration process and availability of trading bays are expected to determine how easily vendors can secure alternative operating spaces before the relocation deadline.

“While the City of Bulawayo values the role played by MSMEs in supporting livelihoods, trading from undesignated places such as road servitudes, parking bays and pavements is not allowed,” Dube said.

He urged affected micro, small and medium enterprises to cooperate with authorities and comply with municipal by-laws during the relocation process.

Traders seeking further information have been directed to the MSMEs section of the Town Planning Department at the ninth Tower Block Offices.

They can also contact the council on **02922 75011, extension 8027**, or email [**tidube@citybyo.co.zw**](mailto:tidube@citybyo.co.zw).
Source: CITE