Legislators have called on the Government to provide suitable alternative trading sites before demolishing informal businesses, warning that short relocation notices are putting people’s livelihoods at risk.
The issue was raised in Parliament during a question-and-answer session, where MPs questioned the demolition of poultry fowl runs under Operation Chenesa and called for local authority by-laws to be reviewed to reflect the growing number of people relying on small-scale businesses for survival.
MP John Kuka asked what plans were in place to ensure poultry farmers were allocated suitable sites before their fowl runs were demolished.
“The Government is encouraging creativity and the development of vocational skills, including carpentry, poultry production and metalwork. Given the high unemployment rate, we have seen ‘Operation Chenesa’ being implemented in various areas, where people are engaged in poultry production. What plans are in place to ensure that people are allocated suitable sites for their poultry operations before their fowl runs are demolished?,” he said.
On this topic
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, responding on behalf of the Government, said authorities should consider alternative arrangements before destroying people’s property.
He said council by-laws determine whether residents can keep poultry in urban areas, depending on the size of their residential stands.
“The Hon. Member asked whether plans are in place to relocate people before their fowl runs are demolished. I agree that this is an important consideration. It is the Government’s responsibility to identify alternative places where people can continue their trades.”
Mhona said he would engage the Minister of Local Government and Public Works over the concerns, while urging business operators to use designated commercial sites and obtain the necessary permits.
“Nevertheless, we must put people first before demolishing their property,” he said.
Kuka said some poultry farmers had been given only 48 hours to relocate, which he argued was insufficient given the time and resources required to raise chickens.
“Poultry farming takes time, starting from the day-old chick stage. People are sometimes given only 48 hours to relocate, which is not enough time to move their chickens,” he said.
Mhona said the issue extended beyond poultry farming to other informal businesses, including fresh produce traders and livestock keepers.
“We will take up the matter,” he said.
The debate also raised questions about whether existing local authority by-laws remain relevant.
MP Corban Madzivanyika questioned whether the Government intended to review regulations dating back to the colonial era, arguing that some no longer reflected the country’s current circumstances.
“Some of these bylaws date back to the colonial era. As such, is it Government policy to follow up on these old regulations so that they align with what you want in Zimbabwe because we cannot be perpetual masters of our own laws?,” said Madzivanyika.
Mhona said reviewing by-laws was the responsibility of local authorities, working with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
He said local authorities should identify outdated regulations and work with the ministry to update them.
MP Tendai Nyabani raised concerns about the continued demolition of illegal structures, asking what the Government was doing to prevent people from investing in properties built in unauthorised areas.
Mhona said some home seekers and business operators were being exploited by land barons, while others were misled through fraudulent documentation.
He said local authorities needed to investigate developments and establish whether the necessary approvals had been obtained before construction was allowed to proceed.
“Indeed, it is true that the Government is responsible for protecting its citizens. So, as the Government, we stop people from illegally occupying properties. If they are allowed to continue in such properties, sometimes they risk losing after investing a lot of money,” he said.
EMakhandeni-Luveve MP Descent Bajila extended the debate to rural communities, asking whether the Government planned to establish designated trading sites to enable people to operate legally.
Mhona said the issue required coordination between the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
He said the Government had been working to identify alternative trading sites but acknowledged that some locations were unsuitable because they were too far from potential customers.
“I am happy that, indeed, the Government has been doing that but the problem that we have been facing is that in terms of marketing strategies, some of the places are deemed to be outside the scope of those that will be trading in terms of the clients, so that the locations are not suitable,” he said.
The debate highlighted the challenge of enforcing local authority regulations while protecting livelihoods, particularly among people who depend on informal businesses for income amid high unemployment.
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