By Own Correspondent

INFORMAL traders in the Retreat Area of Waterfalls in Harare are counting their losses after being forced to close shop and attend Zanu-PF meetings which they say are now being convened at an alarming rate as the nation heads for elections.

When The Worker news crew arrived in the area Wednesday at 9am for a follow up after a tip off from one of the informal traders a number of tuck shops   and vending stalls were closed for business.

“A group of Zanu-pf members ordered everyone to close shop and attend the party’s meeting running closeby.

“We are currently going through a very torrid time these days as we head for elections. While we appreciate that we have to attend party programs the rate at which these meetings are now being held is becoming unbearable.

“Imagine being forced to close shop for three to four days a week just to spend almost the whole day attending meetings.

Another trader whose small carpentry business plies in the area criticized the ruling party activists for disrespecting their diverse political affiliations.

“Some of us do not even belong to Zanu-pf .We are also paying rentals for our businesses yet they want to bundle up everyone as though we owe them something. We are in business and we have costs to meet at the end of the day. So we demand respect,” another trader said on condition of anonymity.