The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council has said it is illegal to roast mealies on open fires in the Central Business District as it is increasing the risk of buildings and property catching fire.
According to the latest council report, Councillor Gideon Mangena of Nkulumane said he was concerned about maize roasting in and around the CBD. In addition he also mentioned the sprouting of people who are in the business of frying chips on pavements. He said such activities were a risk as they could cause fires in the CBD resulting in property being destroyed.
According to the report, Clr Mangena said numerous complaints have been brought forward by shop owners over the increase in the number of maize roasting and use of gas fryers.
“Council should therefore not ignore such a dangerous situation where maize is roasted everywhere in the city, all activities should be conducted on designated areas. Maize roasters should be allocated safe places to conduct their businesses. Open fire is not allowed in the CBD,” read the latest council report.
However, Clr Norman Hlabani of Emganinwi said the economic hardships that people were facing were forcing them to resort to such desperate measures to raise money.
He said council should, instead of driving away maize roasters, should allocate them an area where they could conduct their business. The acting Director of Housing and Community Services, Mr Mackenzie Moyo, however, told the meeting that there was no licence for maize roasting.
According to the minutes, Chamber Secretary Mrs Sikhangele Zhou said although the city appreciated different projects and views but such activities should be carried out in a safe manner. The minutes noted that an average of 15 maize roasters are arrested and their wares confiscated by security on a daily basis.
Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, said the local authority was not against vendors but noted there was a need to protect people, property and environment by enforcing the relevant by-laws. According to the latest council report there was a 43 percent increase in property fires in December last month compared to the same month in 2015.
