Published: 1 hour ago

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is losing significant potential revenue due to a growing number of shops operating illegally across the city.

According to the latest council minutes, the Health Inspectorate Section recently carried out a blitz in the city centre and several suburbs, targeting non-compliant businesses. The operation uncovered numerous outlets trading without valid licences or registration certificates, and others selling contaminated or expired food.

Health services director Edwin Mzingwane Sibanda reported that the inspectorate conducted 1 570 inspections last month as part of routine compliance monitoring.

"Non-compliant premises were issued with intimations and deposit fines," the report stated.

A total of 17 premises, mostly in Makokoba, Mpopoma, and Entumbane, were cited for operating without licences and selling unsafe food. In addition, nine tickets were issued for offences that included running illegal kitchens, poor housekeeping, failure to maintain clean fixtures, and operating without proper ablution or water facilities.

The violations were mainly found in the central business district — along Lobengula Street, Jason Moyo Street, George Silundika Street, and 3rd Avenue.

Council inspectors also condemned foodstuffs worth thousands of dollars after declaring them unfit for human consumption.

Environmental health practitioners have since engaged affected business owners to improve hygiene standards and compliance.

Despite these enforcement efforts, the local authority continues to struggle with illegal vending and unlicensed operations, which are eroding much-needed municipal revenue.
- Southern Eye

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