Informal traders not satisfied with govt offered SME centre

INFORMAL traders in Bulawayo say rentals at the new complex they were allocated as their workspace by the Women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) ministry, were not affordable.

They also feel that the complex was far away from their targeted customers.

The SMEs centre was officially launched on Monday by Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development deputy minister Jennifer Mhlanga.

Government said the centre would promote informal traders, improve working conditions, and improve income levels, income predictability, and their working environment, making their workplace more attractive.

Several informal traders that rent spaces at the centre told Southern Eye that operating on the streets was actually better as they were not charged exorbitant rentals.

“We do appreciate the government’s effort of improving our working spaces, but this centre brings no difference to us. Instead, it’s a setback for our businesses. The rent is too high here, even after negotiations with the director of the SME centre,” one of the traders said.

“The centre is located in an isolated area and people can hardly recognise it. The market is very slow here, only people that know it come here. Those who have established good relationships with their reliable customers make money, but if you are new in the industry you are bound to suffer. Even those that were placed close to the Highlanders Club market are complaining about the same thing. The government should survey the places before allocating people space because this is just a waste of time."

Speaking at the official opening of the centre on Monday, Mhlanga said the SMEs centre would promote business.

“The government and International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Old Mutual have channelled US$165 000 for the SMEs to be formalised and recognised. The centre aims to promote informal traders, improve working conditions, improve income levels, income predictability, the working environment, and to make their workplace more attractive and allows for more sustainability,” she said.

Mhlanga said a 2019 study showed that 76% of Zimbabwe's population was involved in the informal trading sector.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs minister Judith Ncube said the centre would provide employment.

“We want the best for the informal traders because most of them work under open spaces where their goods perish because of heavy rains and heat waves. We are hoping that the centre will bring success to the majority and create employment for the people of Bulawayo, “Ncube said.