By Correspondent

Norton Ward 7 Councillor Tinashe Machemedze has urged informal traders and vendors to comply with the Government’s Urban Regeneration Operation, as the town prepares to remove illegal vending structures.

Machemedze met vendors and informal traders in the ward on Saturday to discuss the operation, which is expected to begin in Norton on Monday.

He said the issue was no longer simply about regulating informal trading, but also about cleanliness, public health and compliance with the law.

“I have personally visited your vending sites before and spoke about the need for cleanliness especially at the Speed Market.

“We have had disturbing cases of people throwing rotten fish and disembowelled remains right on the road.

“Now the situation has reached another level where we don’t have power to do anything but to comply.

Machemedze said vendors should use the time before enforcement begins to remove illegal structures.

He said they could seek alternative trading spaces through Council.

“I urge us all to comply with the law.

“It’s better that before the NTC officials come we start removing the illegal erections.

“Then we can go and apply for vending sites at Council offices,” he said.

The councillor said the objective should be to ensure that informal trading continues within designated spaces rather than allowing vendors to operate in areas that create health and environmental concerns.

Norton Town Council officials who attended the meeting said a number of vacant spaces were available for vendors willing to relocate.

They identified areas including Big Fresh and Calfa as possible alternative trading sites.

“There are many open places which those willing can occupy ” an official said.

The availability of alternative sites is expected to be central to the implementation of the operation as many traders depend on informal vending for their livelihoods.

However, some residents who attended the meeting welcomed the operation.

They said uncontrolled vending had contributed to poor sanitation and could increase the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly during periods of inadequate water supply.

They pointed to conditions at the Speed Market as an example of the problem.

“The Speed Market place is an example.

“Unowana road yose yakazara matumbu efish dzatumburwa.

“Zvino nekunetsa kwemvura topona here nezvirwere,” said one.

Government has urged vendors to regularise their activities and make use of designated trading spaces rather than wait for enforcement teams to remove them.