Mayor Coltart Pledges Order as Fifth Avenue Descends into Chaos

By Khulisani Siziba

29 August 2025

Bulawayo Mayor, His Worship Senator David Coltart, has raised alarm over the deteriorating conditions on Fifth Avenue, describing the area as chaotic, unhygienic, and damaging to the city’s image.

Speaking at a bin donation ceremony hosted by the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) at the Large City Hall yesterday, Coltart said the city must urgently restore order while working toward long-term solutions.

“What we need to recognise is that with the current chaotic situation prevailing, particularly on Fifth Avenue, it makes it not just very unhygienic, but it also projects our city in a very negative way,” said Coltart.

The Mayor highlighted the city’s broader vision to create structured, dignified vending spaces with access to clean toilets, solar power, water, Wi-Fi, and proper demarcated bays. However, he admitted this vision cannot be achieved overnight and will require strong collaboration between the City Council, central government, and vendors’ associations.

“As city fathers and mothers, we have an obligation to care for all residents and what we need is a close collaborative relationship with vendors organisations and all vendors across the city,” highlighted the mayor.

Mayor Coltart said council is already identifying alternative vending sites, though they may not offer the same convenience as Fifth Avenue.

He reaffirmed council’s commitment to completing major trading hubs like Egodini and Bacta, aimed at modernising Bulawayo and giving vendors safer and more sustainable trading spaces.