SECUNDA – The Echo and the Ridge Times reported on the issue of illegal hawkers several times last year.
However it is still a problem.
They are now trading illegally on the pavement of OliverTambo Street opposite the Secunda Mall.
Hawkers next to the road between Secunda and Trichardt irritate residents living nearby as they make a noise when they manufacture the wooden dog houses and other goods that they sell next to the road.
“It carries on like that on Saturdays and Sundays as well and we do not have peace and quietness.
“They do not have a toilet, so they just do their business there next to the road and it stinks when we are in our backyard,” said a resident.
The CBD is another problem.
Hawkers sit on the pavement where Game used to be.
The police did get rid of the hawkers in the CBD last year, but it seems they are back.
The head of marketing and communications of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, Mr Henry Masango, said: “Enforcement is an ongoing process and we hope to attend to the issue as highlighted.
“Any illegal activities of a hawker or business people will have to be investigated by law enforcement officers.
“In the spirit of Madiba, we need to be seen to be requesting the media to reach these unruly elements in preaching cooperation in trading in designated areas and keeping our town clean.
“It takes an informed society to do the right thing at the right place for the benefit of everybody.
“We call upon the hawkers to cooperate with the municipality in this regard, we do not want to use force.
“The media has a role to educate people, education is the key.
“We are engaging continuously with the hawkers to trade in designated areas and keep our environment clean, law enforcement is the last resort to those who do not want to comply.”
