By Elizabeth Nyaguyo
Harare residents have expressed their disgruntlements over the order to stop selling gas in residential areas by the Harare City Council (HCC).
Last week the City Fathers took the decision to ban gas selling following numerous accidents that took place in the city due to unsecured places such as cabins in residential stands.
In an interview with Sly Media, some residents in some parts of Harare vowed to continue selling gas from their residential properties since it is their only source of income to survive.
“The Harare City Council yes, they are trying to protect people from being burnt during the explosion but there is nothing I can do. I am a widow. I have to sell gas so as to survive with my two kids,” said Susan Dhlamini.
“Surely if you say I should stop my job, what else should I do to pay my children’s school fees and I am also renting. I have to pay rent,” said one woman who identifies herself as Mai Mandizha.
Another resident said that the HCC should give people an ultimatum for them to prepare themselves on the way forward.
“This current development came unexpectedly. All I want is for the HCC to give us an ultimatum to work things out before they take another step.
” I think they should give us time, maybe two weeks or a month, to figure out a way forward on what we have to do next,” alluded Gloria Chindenga.
This decision came after a family who resided in Waterfalls and in Eyestone, Retreat area in southern Harare perished in a fire caused by a gas explosion.
The Harare City Council spokesperson Micheal Chideme said that the HCC is only waiting for tip offs from their team on people selling gas from residential properties and that is when actions will be taken against them.
“Our inspection and enforcement teams will be responding to tip offs on people selling gas from residential properties,” he told the media.
