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A demolition operation by the Municipality of Marondera has left hundreds of informal traders reeling after makeshift vending stalls were torn down in the town’s Central Business District (CBD), as part of efforts to modernize the urban space under its Smart City agenda.
The blitz targeted unapproved structures that city authorities say were in violation of health standards and planning regulations. While officials cite alignment with the national “Call to Action” blueprint and the Regional Town and Country Planning Act, many traders have been left without income or clear relocation options.
The timing of the operation just ahead of school term opening, has intensified hardship, as families are already grappling with back-to-school expenses. Vendors who relied on daily sales from small food stalls and tuckshops are now without a source of livelihood. Although some were warned, others say they received little notice and had no time to prepare or secure alternative spaces.
By Ruvarashe Gora
Council officials maintain that the demolitions were necessary to restore order and hygiene in the CBD. They also note that formal business operators had raised concerns about the unfair competition posed by illegal stalls, especially as they pay taxes and rent.
Plans are reportedly underway to develop designated vending sites, including new spaces along First Street, with designs already prepared by council engineers. Authorities insist that informal traders have not been forgotten and will be accommodated through structured and sanitary trading zones.
Still, the sudden clearances have sparked concern among residents who view informal trade as a critical part of the local economy. Comparisons are being drawn with Harare’s Zindoga business area, where vendors operate in an organized manner with municipal support, highlighting the need for inclusive development that protects livelihoods while enforcing urban standards.
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