Gweru City Council has allocated vending spaces for people with disabilities (PWDs) as part of the local authority's broader inclusivity efforts in the local economy.
In a statement, council acting town clerk Livingston Churu said interested PWDs should apply to be allocated designated trading sites around the city.
“The City of Gweru is pleased to announce an opportunity for traders with disabilities to apply for designated trading spaces,” Churu said.
He said applicants should submit applications to the director of housing and community services accompanied by a copy of national identification, proof of disability or medical certificate or confirmation from a recognises association or organisation for persons with disability.
Council spokesperson, Vimbai Chingwaramuse, said there was no specific number of PWDs that the local authority was targeting and urged all those eligible to submit applications.
“The City of Gweru's initiative is aimed at providing an opportunity for traders with disabilities to apply for designated trading spaces,” Chingwaramusee said.
“The purpose is to provide opportunities for traders with disabilities to apply for designated trading spaces (and), there is no specific number of persons with disabilities that the council is looking at.
“The notice is an open call for traders with disabilities to apply for the designated trading spaces.”
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Gweru-based disability advocate, Nigel Tahwa, commended council for the gesture and said the effort showed commitment to create equitable opportunities for all within the city's informal trading sector.
“We commend the council for promoting economic empowerment and participation for PWDs in the local economy,” he said.
“As PWDs we have always advocated for inclusivity in all sectors of the economy.
“We are an important stakeholder in the community and should always be included in development efforts.”
Council has maintained that its vision to become a sustainable, prosperous city of choice by 2030 is premised on ensuring that quality services are accessed by everyone.
In 2023 the local authority, in partnership with Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association, launched a disability desk to improve access to services for people with disabilities.
