Ruwa Local Board Urges Residents to Report Bribes as Vendor Demolitions Spark Outcry

By Staff Reporter

THE  Ruwa Local Board has begun registering vendors and is urging residents to speak out against officials soliciting bribes, as demolition-related tensions continue in the town.

Last week, many informal traders in Ruwa faced significant losses after the board deployed two bulldozers to demolish vending stalls in non-designated areas. This action, taken in the name of enforcing municipal bylaws, has sharply conflicted with vendors who rely entirely on vending for survival in an ailing economy.

Some informal traders have accused local officials of unfairly targeting the workspaces of those who refused to pay bribes, while giving a pass to those who complied.

In response to these allegations, a Ruwa Local Board spokesperson urged those affected to bring forward reports so further measures can be taken to address such misconduct.

“Ruwa Local Board takes allegations of corruption, bribery and abuse of office seriously. Council does not condone the solicitation or acceptance of unauthorised payments by any official in exchange for protection, preferential treatment or permission to conduct business.”

The spokesperson emphasized that, “All legitimate payments to Council should be made through authorised channels and supported by appropriate official documentation. We encourage all our stakeholders not to pay any money that does not have official confirmation of payment. Individuals who have information or evidence relating to alleged corrupt practices are urged to report such matters through appropriate institutional or law enforcement channels.”

Mupakati further clarified that no one should experience discrimination or victimization for refusing to engage in corrupt practices, stating that substantiated allegations would lead to the relevant disciplinary or legal procedures.

Following the demolitions, the council has launched a vendor registration drive to assign traders to designated vending sites. The broader aim is to create an environment where informal and formal trading can exist side by side as Ruwa continues to pursue its vision of becoming a Town of Excellence by 2030.

Mupakati also acknowledged concerns about last week’s demolitions, stressing that the council intends to engage the public and raise awareness to improve compliance in the future.

Council officials recently held a 2027 Budget consultation meeting specifically for vendors to incorporate their perspectives on financial planning for the next year. Mupakati highlighted that, through such joint efforts, the town will be able to create conditions in which livelihoods can be sustained without compromising the safety and welfare of the broader community.