The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced plans to increase enforcement against public vehicles and buses operating in undesignated areas, following the recent recruitment of new security guards in the city.
This issue was raised during the budget consultation meeting in Ward 17 on Wednesday, where residents expressed concerns about vehicles operating from unauthorised ranks.
“Is Baktas now an official rank for buses? Women are being harassed there, with strong men pulling their bags, leading to lost valuables. As a council, are these men paying fees to operate there?” one resident asked.
In response, Ward 17 Councilor Sikhululekile Moyo revealed that the recent advertisement for security guard positions was aimed at increasing enforcement efforts.
“We advertised 296 security guard positions. If these are filled, enforcement will improve because the council has been facing a shortage of personnel. We are hopeful that with the required manpower, enforcement will be enhanced,” said Councilor Moyo.
She further stated that the council would collaborate with Tendy Three Investment (TTI) to manage to park and clamp down on vehicles parked in unauthorised areas.
“All vehicles parked in those bays will be clamped,” she said.
Councilor Moyo also noted that the current situation, with informal traders and vehicles operating from unauthorised locations, was detrimental to investment in the city.
“The city has laws that we wish could be adhered to. The disorder on the streets is not how we want the city to look, as it affects investments,” said Councilor Moyo.
In addition, Engineer Howard Sibanda said the council intends to close all undesignated areas where vehicles pick up passengers.
“Some years ago, the government encouraged support for the informal sector, which unfortunately led to some people operating in undesignated areas. However, we do not support that. We advertised for 296 security guards in line with that enforcement. We aim to close down areas like 6th Avenue, Baktas, Trade Gold, and the TM Hyper Corner. The newly hired security guards will assist with this,” he said.
Engineer Sibanda added that BCC, in partnership with TTI, is working to enhance enforcement.
“Any road-related offences should be monitored 24 hours a day. However, enforcement typically ends at 5 p.m., leading to disorder along 6th Avenue during the evening. We will address this issue,” he said.
He added that there are plans to open additional ranks to help decongest the city.
“We are opening a new area close to the Railways. When our enforcement resumes, we also want to put parking bays at Baktas to help decongest the area.”
Engineer Sibanda acknowledged that residents have been victims of abuse in these undesignated areas.
“People get abused there. When carrying out such enforcement, there is a need to involve the ZRP. When we don’t get the clearance, it’s very difficult. Hence, we have also involved the Minister. We tried to do it alone sometime back, but some of our employees were beaten and hospitalized,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sibanda lamented that the municipal police lack arresting powers.
“We hope the security guards will resume work next month. If you give us three to four months, you will see the difference. We are aware of all the nuisances, and we are making an effort,” he said.
