Information minister Jenfan Muswere told journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing that the move is part of a comprehensive effort to contain the spread of the waterborne disease.

Government has banned vendors from operating in the central business districts (CBDs) of major cities in response to the cholera outbreak.

Information minister Jenfan Muswere told journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing that the move is part of a comprehensive effort to contain the spread of the waterborne disease.

“Government directs vendors be removed from the streets, gardens using raw sewer be destroyed, clean water be availed, mobile toilets be availed in city centre, Civil Protection Act be activated to fight cholera,” Muswere said.

“Mitigatory measures being taken are the removal of food vendors selling or cooking food on the streets of Harare and Chitungwiza; bulk safe water trucking to western suburbs of Harare to enable access tosafe drinking water; health education campaigns; removal of all dumpsites in Harare and Chitungwiza and reopening of public toilets.”

The country has recorded over 7 000 cholera cases and at least 142 deaths.

The decision to ban vendors, however, has sparked mixed reactions among informal traders.

Many rely on vending as their primary source of income and are concerned about the economic impact of the ban.

“They are just targeting us, even in rural areas…