BCC completes allocation of vending bays

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has completed the allocation of nearly 1 660 vending bays at the 5th Avenue market and Bhaktas vending sites for fruits, vegetables, and clothing items.

The allocation is part of the city’s efforts to provide conducive vending environments for informal traders, promoting hygiene and order around the Central Business District area.

BCC Town Clerk, Christopher Dube, said a total of 576 bays were allocated at the 5th Avenue market, while 1 060 were allocated at Bhaktas.

Dube encouraged all vendors who were allocated bays to pay the applicable licenses and ensure that they update any outstanding monthly payments by June 30, 2024, or risk repossession of the bays.

“The City of Bulawayo is pleased to announce the completion of the allocation process for trading bays at the 5th Avenue market and Bhaktas sites. A total of 1,660 micro-enterprises trading in fruits, vegetables, and clothing have been allocated spaces across these two sites. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review the allocation list, which has been shared with association leaders and is also available at the Dugmore Informal Trading Offices,” Dube said.

“To secure their allocated bay, beneficiaries must pay the applicable license and monthly rental fees and occupy their designated bay by June 30, 2024. Trading bays not occupied by June 30, 2024, will be reallocated to deserving traders on the City of Bulawayo’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) waiting list. Council would also like to remind all micro-enterprise traders operating within the city to clear any outstanding monthly rental fees and renew their licenses by June 30, 2024.”

He added, “Traders with significant outstanding rental and license fees are encouraged to contact the City of Bulawayo to discuss and establish a workable payment plan by June 30, 2024. The City of Bulawayo advises the illegal traders at 5th Avenue to refrain from continuing operations on 5th Avenue or face the full wrath of the law. The city is committed to supporting the success of micro-enterprises within the city. Operating from designated municipal sites ensures compliance with regulations.”