The Municipalities of Chitungwiza and Ruwa have issued final warnings to vendors and informal traders operating in undesignated areas, ordering them to vacate and remove all illegal structures.
The public notices, both issued on 10 September 2026, follow Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe’s directive to all local authorities to clear illegal vendors and restore order in towns and cities, with an initial deadline of 9 September.
In Chitungwiza, the Acting Town Clerk said all vendors and other informal traders operating in undesignated areas, including road servitudes, must vacate by Thursday, 17 September 2026.
“All persons with illegal structures, makeshift stalls and tables are hereby ordered to remove them immediately,” the notice reads.
The council warned that failure to comply will result in enforcement action, with the assistance of law enforcement authorities where necessary.
Those in need of legitimate operating space have been advised to register with the Education, Estates, Housing and Community Services Department. The council said the operation is meant to bring sanity to the town, under the slogan “Orderliness brings sanity in ChiTown.”
In Ruwa, the Local Board issued a similar final warning to all vendors and informal traders operating in the area.
The Town Secretary said all vendors operating from undesignated places must vacate by Friday, 11 September 2026.
Vendors with illegal structures, makeshift stalls and tables have been urged to remove them immediately so they can salvage their property.
“In the event of non-compliance, Council will proceed to remove all illegal structures with the assistance of law enforcement authorities,” the notice said.
Vendors who need designated operating spaces are required to register with the Housing and Community Services office at Ruwa Local Board for allocation. The council said the exercise is meant to restore “order and cleanliness in Ruwa.”
The notices are part of a nationwide clean-up ordered by Garwe, who has told councils to remove illegal vendors, demolish illegal structures and enforce by-laws in a bid to restore order and cleanliness in urban areas.
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