By Ziyah News Reporter
Vendors at Mashavire Market, also known as Speed Market in Beitbridge, have voiced frustration over poor facilities and restrictions, telling the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Province Honourable Albert Nguluvhe that despite paying daily fees, they receive little in return.
During a tour of the market, which accommodates at least 300 vendors daily, the Minister observed the absence of toilets, lack of safe drinking water, and noted that vendors were barred from constructing decent shades because the market is considered temporary.
“We pay 300 rands a day, but there are no toilets or water. Most of the time we are told to close by 10am,” one vendor told the Minister.
In response, Honorable Nguluvhe urged the Beitbridge City Council to set aside funds from daily collections to provide basic services, warning that the market has become a disease-prone area and is exposed to outbreaks such as cholera.
“It is unacceptable that people are paying daily fees and not seeing any benefit. The council must provide water, sanitation, and allow temporary shades for the vendors, especially during the rainy season,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister visited the still under-construction Beitbridge Bus Terminus, where bus conductors complained about delays in completing the project.
He instructed the City Council to utilize funds collected from buses to complete the terminus promptly.
“Revenue collected daily must be used for its intended purpose. Delayed projects should not continue to affect the public,” the Minister said.