Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart, says the local authority is working towards constructing basic amenities in large, medium, and small-scale markets for informal traders to conduct their business in a suitable environment.
Coltart stated that the city needs to establish suitable market infrastructure for informal traders selling on the streets, not out of choice, but out of necessity.
Addressing the Bulawayo Informal Sector Survey meeting held on Tuesday, Coltart stressed that informal traders need certain basic services in any market to establish a conducive trading environment.
“Shelter is needed in the markets, and they need to be covered with roofs to protect the vendors, creating a more attractive environment to shield them from the sun, heat, and rain, particularly for food and perishables,” said Coltart.
He stated that a smooth concrete surface is needed at vending bays to facilitate easier cleaning compared to a rough concrete surface, which can lead to unhygienic consequences.
“We need clearly marked bays in both large markets and single market areas to ensure absolute certainty of where the vendors will be located. Maps need to be established so that the city knows the locations of its bays throughout the city. All bays will be numbered, with a vendor assigned to each particular bay with a corresponding number for certainty for both the city council and the vendor,” said Coltart.
He further stated that there needs to be access to water in the markets for vendors to clean their stores adequately and for customers to drink.
“They need to have access to potable water and toilets, particularly in large and medium-scale markets. It is critical to have access to toilets and water in the markets,” said Coltart.
Coltart said that large markets need to have access to the internet and solar power.
“We need solar power in the larger markets to provide light, which is a security issue, and also to enable vendors to charge their cell phones and for some vendors to be able to run their stores.”
Coltart also stated that children in large markets who their parents accompany should all have basic creches established to accommodate the little children.
“Creches need to be constructed in large and medium-scale markets so that children can go there, be adequately looked after, and kept safe. Children can be taught and can even have access to books,” said Coltart.
