Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe visits Bulawayo vending shelter developments

Written by Ntando Sibanda, ZDDT News Correspondent Wednesday, 14 December 2011 15:42

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Where there is a will, there is a way. These words became manifest and took a life form when the Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Mathew Neuhaus (MN), visited Small Business Traders in Ward 25 (Nketa 9) to see the Vending Shelters that have been donated by Bulawayo City Council with the assistance of ZDDT, to this important sector of the economy.

During his visit, the Ambassador expressed satisfaction on the progress being made in the installation of the shelters, saying they are an indication of the massive efforts being made by the City of Bulawayo with the assistance of ZDDT, in formalising the business operations of these small-scale enterprises.

The Australian Government has been working with the Trust in the restoring the country to its former economic and social status. It has therefore committed itself to funding the Vendor Shelter scheme by the Trust.

ZDDT field reporter, Ntando Sibanda (NS), had the opportunity to have a brief word with the Ambassador during the proceedings.

Below can be found the interview that ensued:

NS What do you think about this programme that is brought to the community by the Trust, through the Local Authority?

MN I think it is a very impressive programme. It’s wonderful to see the work that the Trust is doing for these communities.

NS What is the most striking aspect that you have observed about this whole programme?

MN What impresses me the most is that the people doing the actual work are volunteers, they are not being paid. This is especially important in an economy such as this one as there are limited resources and it teaches the people the principle of community ownership of projects. Back in Australia such tendencies are the norm and I am happy to be seeing them here as well, I highly recommend that. The commercial activity that is going to stem from this project will greatly contribute to wealth creation for the community members, and that is very important. It is also good to see that people here are being allowed to go about their business without being political.

NS What role do you think people in the informal sector like these ones should play in economic development?

MN Most of the economy is done through the Small and Medium Enterprises like these street vendors who work hard to provide for their families hence they are really important. We encourage them because they play a very important role in economic growth of every country, whether that is big or small.

Bulawayo City Council, with the aid of ZDDT, is erecting vending shelters in 8 wards in the city as part of its Local Authority Capacity building Programme. The initiative is meant to assist the LA in developing a Small Business policy to improve the status and performance of this type of enterprise.

The two entities joined forces in this project as they share the same goals and objectives. These include improving the living standards of community members in the city and encouraging local ownership and wealth creation.