CHINHOYI, Sept.5，2025 (NewsDay Live)-Local Government minister Daniel Garwe has called on councils across Mashonaland West province to ban illegal street vendors, particularly second-hand clothes traders.
Garwe gave the directive during a meeting with senior officials and councillors from all 14 Mashonaland West local authorities at Chinhoyi Showgrounds on Friday where he blamed secondhand clothes for the spread of bedbugs.
He said unregulated vending, particularly of second-hand garments, poses public health risks, including exposure to bed bugs. Garwe added that the ban is also intended to enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces and reduce litter in cities, towns, and growth points.
He, however, cautioned councils against harassing vendors during the implementation of the ban. He urged them to take a gradual approach, ensuring that viable alternative vending spaces are provided to those affected.
