Vendors in Magwegwe have decried the need for proper trading infrastructure and lighting citing harsh weather conditions and lack of electricity in their working spaces.
This came out on an outreach survey that was carried by BVTA last week, were vendors highlighted their needs and challenges.
Vendors said they were excited about the initiative by BVTA to assist them in co – creating prototypes for new infrastructure blocks that will improve their working conditions which include access to electricity and ablution facilities.
“It is difficult to run a business without basic things like electricity and water”, said Bernard Moyo, a vendor. The environment lacks clean water and public toilets which puts vendors and customers at risk of acquiring diseases. According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Chapter 4: Subsection (77), “Every person has the right to safe, clean and portable water.
‘We want electricity and lights to be installed in our stands so that we are able to do business in the evening”, said Mr Tinson Ngwenya.
Most vendors depend on vending for their livelihoods and, as a result, they take advantage of the evening and night hours to increase their sales. Night sales become extremely important for those vendors who must resort to buying goods to resell on credit with interest rates that can reach 10% or more a day.
However, absence of light affects most vendors as they are forced to go home when the sun sets to avoid robbery, thus profits are affected.
Vendors play a vital role in our community and contribute to the development of the economy. Through the Inclusive Cities Project, BVTA will ensure that most vendors are sheltered.
