SYDNEY SAIZE IN MUTARE
Informal traders in Mutare have appealed to banks to avail affordable loans to fund their operations, Business Times can report.
The Mutare Informal Traders Association (MITA) president, Itai Kariparire, said traders were experiencing challenges in accessing bank loans to kick start their businesses that are severely affected by Covid 19 lockdown.
However, collateral for most informal traders is proving to be difficult. Most do not have collateral as they are still growing their businesses.
“Our call to the government and the local authority is that we need their backing in our plight to ensure we stay afloat to make ends meet during these trying times,” Kariparire said
He said some informal traders in Mutare are having a torrid time in getting back to business following the prolonged lockdown
“While as an organisation we appreciate the government’s thrust on making sure everyone is protected from the pandemic we have to be mindful of the fact that some informal traders have to be cushioned during this period which is very trying to everyone.
“At organisational level, as MITA, our members are strictly abiding by the set government laws and those from the World Health Organisation to ensure there is no centre from our members that could be said is a super spreader of the Covid 19,” Kariparire said.
He said the membership was yearning for the Mutare City Council to create a conducive working environment for those that are already in business particularly where there are no ablution facilities in areas that include Chidzere, Bata and Choppies, among others.
“Our appeal is that there be safe operational space for the traders as we are paying the council at least US$30 per annum and that should go towards achieving what we are calling for”.
He said it still remained worrying that street vendors that do not pay anything to the council and engage in running battles with municipal police and the ZRP are seen daily.
“We have to make it clear that we are saddened by the ever presence of illegal street vendors that pay bribes to municipal police to remain operational on the streets while law-abiding traders lose business,” Kariparire said.
Mutare City Council spokesperson Spren Mutiwi said the council was working on the issues raised by the traders adding that it was ‘work in progress.’
