CCC and Zimbabwean government discuss informal trader demolitions
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 263Chat
The Citizens Coalition for Change and the Zimbabwean government discussed local councillors’ working conditions and the demolition of unauthorised structures affecting informal traders. The Bulawayo meeting also covered strengthening local authorities’ capacity and public service delivery, according to 263Chat.
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe’s opposition party, discussed with the government the demolition of unauthorised structures affecting informal traders. The meeting was held on Thursday in Bulawayo between Senator Sengezo Tshabangu, the opposition leader, and Daniel Garwe, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, according to CCC national spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo.
The discussions also covered the working conditions and well-being of local elected representatives. Sengezo Tshabangu raised the socio-economic difficulties faced by municipal councillors. Daniel Garwe said his ministry was working on the issue and that his permanent secretary had been tasked with it, Mlilo said.
The two sides also discussed the administrative capacity of local authorities and the quality of services provided. According to the CCC, the minister pledged to work with all local authorities, including those led by the opposition. He acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by communities affected by the demolitions and called for rules to be enforced in a way that also protects their livelihoods.
The meeting follows Bulawayo municipality’s order on 22 October for informal vendors to leave certain areas within seven days, as part of measures targeting street trading (order for informal vendors to leave).
