Published: 4 hours ago

The City of Mutare is stepping up enforcement against street and night vendors as it prepares to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo from September 10-12, 2025. Mayor Simon Chabuka has instructed city management to strictly enforce bylaws governing vending and littering, stressing the importance of maintaining order during major events.

"We are hosting two important events, and we will be strict on vending. The Government is very clear on night vending and street vending, so we must enforce these bylaws. We are the best-run council in the country so we must lead by example," said Chabuka during a recent full council meeting.

Mutare will also host the ZANU-PF National People's Conference from October 13-18, 2025, with both events expected to attract thousands of local and international visitors to the Eastern Highlands city.

The Mutare Informal Traders Association (MITA) expressed support for the council's measures. President Itai Kariparire urged illegal vendors to move to designated vending spaces, noting that compliance would bolster council revenue and improve service delivery.

In addition to regulating vendors, the city has directed building owners and occupants within the Central Business District (CBD) to repair, refurbish, and repaint their properties ahead of the events. The council emphasized that many CBD buildings have long been neglected and refurbishments are essential to present a polished image during the tourism expo.
- Mirror

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