Source: Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET)
It is unfortunate that the HCC has refused to take heed to calls by the VISET and other like-minded organisations to stop its plans to evict the fruit and vegetables vendors from the CBD and has already started the process of eviction as of the 15th of January 2017. What is even more worrying is that the process of eviction is chaotic, violent and does not take into consideration human dignity. In a series of protracted engagement efforts with the City of Harare, VISET has repeatedly called the latter to suspend the evictions pending due process, which involves waiting for the outcome of the court challenges against the ban of sale of fruit and vegetables by vendors which have been instigated by VISET and several other CSOs.
Harare CBD is a hub of approximately 20 000 vendors and such an eviction will have a disproportionate negative impact on the livelihoods of such a large number of vendors and their dependants. VISET has made it clear to the HCC that there is need to strike a balance between their mandate to maintain public health and the need of vendors to earn livelihoods. In as far as the outbreak and spread of typhoid is concerned, the HCC ought to focus more on providing water, sanitation and hygiene to the residents than merely evicting fruit and vegetable vendors.
Such piece meal attempts to stop the spread of typhoid is tantamount to killing flies to stop the rot. Vending has been happening for decades, with no typhoid outbreaks being reported. A more holistic and inclusive approach is needed. A VISET we believe there is more to the existence of typhoid in Harare than postulated.
Source: Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET)