Hwange Ward 6 Councillor Mlungisi Zhanero has called on the Hwange Local Board (HLB) to urgently establish properly designated vending spaces, citing a sharp increase in informal traders and growing concerns about safety and hygiene in the ward.
Zhanero said the number of vendors operating along the roadside near the DRC Shopping Centre in Empumalanga has continued to rise, creating dangerous conditions for both traders and members of the public.
“The number of vendors selling various wares and vegetables along the roadside near DRC Shopping Centre continues to rise, raising serious safety concerns. The situation becomes particularly hazardous in the evenings, when large crowds gather to purchase groceries while commuter omnibuses speed through the area during rush hour,” he said.
He warned that the combination of heavy traffic, roadside trading and increased pedestrian activity significantly heightens the risk of accidents.
“With increased pedestrian movement, roadside trading and high traffic volumes converging in the same space, the risk of a serious accident remains alarmingly high,” he said.
Following consultations with the council’s Department of Spatial Planning and Land Management, Zhanero said a site has already been identified for the construction of a market stall at DRC Shopping Centre.
He said the proposal was presented before council and approved during an Ordinary Full Board meeting, paving the way for the development of a formal trading facility.
“A site for the establishment of a market stall at DRC Shopping Centre has been identified and council granted approval for its development. The facility will also include ablution amenities,” he said.
Zhanero said there was an urgent need to accelerate construction of the market stall to enable the relocation of vendors into safer and more hygienic trading spaces.
“There is an urgent need to fast-track construction of the DRC market stall in response to the growing demand for a designated trading space. Vendors have indicated their willingness to support council with resources towards the project, as evidenced by their voluntary efforts to clear the site earmarked for the facility,” he said.
He added that continued population growth and expansion in Ward 6 has created the need for additional vending infrastructure.
“Ward 6 has grown significantly, with new settlements emerging and an increase in population. Plans are underway to establish an additional market stall in Empumalanga Phase 4, Stage 2, and the Department of Spatial Planning and Land Management is currently identifying a suitable site,” he said.
Zhanero added that the establishment of formal market stalls would help improve safety, order and sanitation while supporting informal traders who rely on vending for their livelihoods.
Meanwhile HLB corporate communications officer Dumisani Nsingo said the Board acknowledged the concerns raised by Councillor Zhanero regarding the rise in informal trading and the associated safety and hygiene risks.
“The Board is committed to supporting the fast-tracking of the DRC market stall project and is working closely with the Department of Spatial Planning and Land Management to ensure the timely establishment of designated, formal trading spaces. These initiatives aim to create a safer, more organised environment for both traders and the public, while promoting local economic activity and improving overall community welfare.
Several locations within our area of jurisdiction have been identified for vendors, and we look forward to completing the state-of-the-art flea market in Empumalanga, which will further enhance opportunities for local traders and the community,” he said.
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