Vendors in Chitungwiza are unhappy after the municipality announced plans to demolish unapproved mobile cash cabins and informal business stalls.
They say the move is unfair and that they were not given enough time to prepare.
Many traders depend on these cabins to earn a living, and they fear losing their only source of income.
Tafadzwa Chidawa, a vendor who owns a mobile cash cabin, said he does not know what to do next.
“I use this cabin to provide mobile money services and sell airtime. If they destroy it, I will have no way to feed my family. The municipality is making life hard for us instead of helping,” he said.
Naume Zimunya, another vendor, also spoke out against the decision.
“This is not fair. They should at least give us more time or find another solution,” she said.
The Chitungwiza Municipality says the demolitions are necessary to bring order and regulate businesses.
However, many vendors believe this is just a way to take their livelihoods without providing proper alternatives.
Precious Shumba, the director of the Harare Residents’ Trust, said the decision may have legal backing but needs to be fair.
“The municipality’s decision may be justified as a way to regulate businesses, but they must consider how this will affect people’s livelihoods. Any regulations should be fair, reasonable, and come with support for affected traders,” he said.
As the demolition deadline gets closer, vendors are worried about their future and are asking the authorities to find a better way that allows them to continue working and earning a living.
