The Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) has called on the authorities to review the rental fees for vendors at the Egodini Terminus in Bulawayo.
The informal traders claim that the monthly fees of $90, along with additional administration and license fees, are too high and unaffordable.
Despite efforts by the Bulawayo City Council to remove informal traders from the streets and encourage them to use the newly opened terminus, many continue to trade from illegal bays in the city center.
Talking to this publication, VISET’s Executive Director, Samuel Wadzai, argues that consultation with local traders should have taken place prior to setting the fees, in order to establish an amount that is reasonable for everyone.
“We urge the relevant authorities to immediately revisit and revise the fee structure to prevent the disenfranchisement of ordinary citizens,” Wadzai said.
“We strongly object to the $90 USD fee at the new Egodini Terminus. This decision should have been made through extensive consultations with stakeholders, including vendors and commuters.
“We believe such consultations would have resulted in a mutually agreeable and affordable fee. While we welcome the reopening of the terminus, the current fares are simply unsustainable for the intended users,” he added.
Informal traders also highlight that the trading space at the terminus is too small and has limited foot traffic, making it difficult for them to make a living.
Marshall Ncube, an informal trader, criticized the US$90 monthly rent, arguing it’s excessive for the provided space, further highlighting additional fees like a US$20 administration charge and a US$23 license fee, bringing the total monthly cost to US$133, which he called “exorbitant.”
“The main challenge is the high rent compared to our earnings. With this limited space and low profit margins, it’ll be difficult to make a living.” Ncube said.
Another trader, Ruth Sibanda, echoed the concerns, expressing worries about affording the rent: “With no sales yet due to the new setup, I’m unsure how I can manage the payments.”
