Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has given illegal vendors operating in Harare’s CBD a seven day ultimatum to vacate the places before authorities begin a nation wide clean-up against them.

Minister Garwe announced that they should vacate these unauthorized sites by Wednesday, September 9.

Garwe highlighted how illegal activities are negatively impacting urban sanitation, obstructing public pathways, disrupting formal businesses, and creating traffic congestion.

This he says ultimately threatens public safety and health.

Garwe described the current state of disorder on the streets as “intolerable.”

“This illegal vending poses a significant threat to the health and security of our nation.

Though acknowledging that informal trading is a legitimate means of livelihood, he said it must adhere to municipal by-laws and take place in designated marketplaces.

The Ministry has promised to launch a comprehensive “zero-tolerance clean-up operation” targeting illegal vending sites across Harare and the surrounding metropolitan area.

During this operation, all illegal structures, stalls, and trading locations will be dismantled.

Municipal police will be deployed to ensure that cleared areas remain unobstructed.

Garwe also indicated that the operation would eventually expand to other cities, towns, and urban settlements throughout the country.

The objective is to restore public order, cleanliness, and traffic flow in alignment with the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.

He encouraged informal traders to take advantage of the seven-day window to comply voluntarily.

Garwe warned that failure to do so may result in the confiscation of their goods.