Zimbabwean Vice President Joseph Msika on Thursday defended the government's demolition campaign, saying it will work to empower indigenous people and eradicate poverty as part of its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals.

Msika made the remarks at the re-opening of the Mbare Retail Market where 1,500 traders have been relocated to sell their wares after the clean-up operation Murambatsvina, which saw slum housing torn down, and criticized by western countries.

"It is government policy to make sure that indigenous people are empowered to get involved in the main stream economy so that they can take part in the management of the economic affairs of this country and thus determine their destiny," he said.

He said the government was surprised certain people within the country decided to work with "detractors" to criticize the clean up.

Msika urged the ministries of Local Government and Urban Development and Small to Medium Enterprise Development to continue scouting for space in view of the need for affordable macro, small and medium enterprises infrastructure.

The retail market was closed as part of the clean up program which the government embarked on in May, which also targeted illegal trading stalls.

Msika called upon the traders to ensure that their operating environment remained clean and abide by city by-laws.

The traders have since been provided with clean facilities, which include toilets and sinks.

Source: Xinhua