BVTA, VISET proffer solutions to Byo informal traders
Mabel Khumalo
BULAWAYO-Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) in partnership with Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) held an informal sector stakeholder engagement meeting with ward 11 vendors yesterday in Bulawayo to discuss a myriad of challenges facing the informal traders.
The vendor-centred organisations led the discussions while offering solutions to the vendors in attendance.
VISET, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Edward Kapodongo urged city officials to come up with strategies to develop the informal sector in order to alleviate the challenges associated with informal trade.
Findings of a survey jointly carried out by VISET and BVTA were tabled amidst revelations of numerous challenges in the day to day running of informal trade business.
“A total number of 98 vendors took part in the survey and it was observed that most vendors are operating from makeshift undesignated vending sites, devoid of proper ablution facilities. Due to theft and bad weather, informal traders often lose their wares because of a lack of proper storage facilities,” he said.
Kapodongo also pointed out that most informal traders are finding it difficult to acquire vending licenses and proper vending bays as most cannot afford the application fees while others lack information on the license acquisition process.
He added: “According to our survey only 6% admitted that it was easy for them to legally secure vending bays…18% said they could not afford operators licence fees due to the meagre profits they are making.”
Community Frontline Associate (CFA) Nontokozo Moyo, who was part of the survey team noted that most informal traders face similar challenges and as such, she urged them to unite and facilitate a close relationship and efficient communication method with local authorities and stakeholders, so that they work hand in hand to solve the challenges on the ground.
BVTA Projects Officer, Bakani Ncube also emphasized the importance of working closely with local authorities such as the Bulawayo City Council. He said a close working relationship with the Council would present an enabling environment for informal traders to be involved in developmental issues and facilitate their inclusion in the annual budget allocation.
A fruit vendor from ward 11, Elina Nyoni thanked BVTA and VISET for imparting knowledge to her and colleagues on acquiring operating licences as well as advising on who to approach when facing problems in their areas of operation.
