Edwin Moyo
Gweru-The City of Gweru is set to launch a blitz targeting informal traders selling cooked food in the Central Business District (CBD) and other undesignated areas, citing growing public health and safety concerns.
The blitz is aimed at removing illegal street food vending operations that authorities say expose residents to unsafe food handling practices and unhygienic conditions.
According to council, the Municipal Police will confiscate unauthorized cooking equipment, including chip fryers, gas cylinders, cooking stands and cooking pots found operating on streets, pavements and other undesignated trading spaces.
Speaking during a full council meeting in Gweru last week, Chairperson of the council’s Health and Housing Committee and ward 18 Councillor, William Mazango (pictured), said the exercise is intended to restore order and improve food safety standards in the city.
“The council has noted with concern the increasing number of people selling cooked food in undesignated areas. This poses serious health and safety risks to members of the public. The blitz is meant to restore sanity and ensure that food sold to residents meets acceptable health standards.
“The operation will primarily focus on busy pedestrian corridors in the CBD as well as suburban shopping centres where unlicensed food vending is widespread.
“We would like to warn residents against buying cooked meals and raw food products from unregulated vendors, saying such products are often exposed to contaminants that could lead to food-borne diseases.” he added.
Councillor Mazango also noted with concern the hazards brought about by using gas cylinders and other liquified petroleum in open pavements.
“We urge food vendors to operate only from designated trading areas and comply with public health regulations. those found violating the city’s by-laws will be prosecuted.
“The same cylinders however pose serious dangers to our residents we know gas is dangerous if not handled with care and may lead to loss of life.” he added
