A new task force under the city administration will enforce new regulations designed to restore order on the streets of Addis Abeba and address concerns over cleanliness and public safety. The task force has been established to enforce regulations imposed on informal street vendors. The city's Trade Bureau launched the initiative to address the increasing informal trading, which city officials say has been "disruptive to the established trade system." The task force is headed by Deputy Mayor Jantrar Abay, who blamed the unchecked expansion of informal street vendors as grave challenges to the city's visual probity, cleanliness, and traffic movement. "Street vendors, if not regulated appropriately, will lead to serious issues affecting the urban environment," said Jantrar. The task force comprises representatives from the revenue bureau, law enforcement, land administration, and the Food & Drug Authority, among other city administration offices. It convenes monthly, during which all departments are required to present reports on their activities. City officials hope the newly enforced regulation will facilitate a transition back to a structured trade system. The regulation also mandates that transportation services operate until 10p.m., while businesses are required to remain open until 9:30p.m. City officials warn that non-compliance has hefty financial penalties. According to Habiba Siraj, head of the Trade Bureau, awareness-raising campaigns will be conducted over the next three months. Subsequently, penalties will be enforced based on the level of non-compliance.
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