Bulawayo Vendors Partner with Council to Promote Clean City Initiative

By Khulisani Siziba

28 August 2025

The Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) has stepped in to support the city’s clean-up efforts by donating eight refuse bins to the Bulawayo City Council.

Speaking during the handover at the Large City Hall, Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart welcomed the donation, describing it as a clear sign of partnership between vendors and council.

He said building a cleaner and more attractive city depends on everyone working together, especially traders who use public spaces daily.

“We recognise that if our city appears disorganised, that our intention to attract investment into the city will be undermined, because no investor is going to come into a city which appears to be chaotic, disorganised, dirty and perhaps unhealthy,” stated the mayor.

BVTA Vice President Juliet Samson emphasised that the move shows that vendors are committed to keeping the city clean. She added that the clearly labelled bins will make waste collection easier and more efficient.

“We’ve seen our city is very dirty, as an organisation we thought lets lead by example to show the City council it’s not always formal sector which should lead by example,” said Samson.

The council says it hopes this partnership with vendors will inspire more residents to take responsibility for cleanliness across the city.