The Zimbabwean government has announced a ban on night vending in the central business district (CBD), giving vendors a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate undesignated areas. The directive, issued on Wednesday, is part of a broader effort to restore order and address health, safety, and security concerns in urban centers.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, speaking at a press conference in Harare, emphasized the need for immediate action to tackle the proliferation of unregulated marketplaces. “The mushrooming of illegal vending sites has disrupted legally registered businesses, created unfair competition, and posed serious health risks, including the potential for disease outbreaks such as cholera and typhoid,” Garwe stated.
The government has instructed local authorities to enforce regulations requiring all traders to hold valid licenses and operate only in designated areas equipped with adequate sanitary facilities. Law enforcement agencies, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), will support the operation to ensure compliance.
