TAIZ — The local authority in Taiz started a campaign Tuesday morning to remove street vendors causing traffic jams in main streets.

Mohammed Al-Buraihi, general manager of the Cleaning Fund in Taiz, said orders were given by Shawqi Hael, Taiz’s governor, to begin the campaign in an attempt to end confusion that Taiz witnessed during last year’s uprising.

Street vendors spread in streets, obstructing the government from providing services, causing traffic jams and preventing street cleaners from doing their jobs.

Hael said he coordinated with relevant government authorities to implement this campaign in order to solve traffic jam problems in main streets.

Hael said there are several other campaigns scheduled during the coming days, and he will follow up on them in person.

“Taiz will witness an obvious change during the upcoming days.”

In reaction, residents welcomed the campaign but asserted it is important to have alternative markets for street vendors.

Tawfiq Al-Qadi, a resident of Al-Tahreer Street, said the campaign will help bring back the beautiful appearance of Taiz. He said street vendors are the main reason behind traffic jams on main streets. However, he also said relevant authorities must provide alternative markets for street vendors.

“It is unreasonable to remove street vendors without finding urgent solutions and alternatives,” Al-Qadi said.

Hamood Abdusalam, a resident in Osaifera area, said street vendors are the reason behind rule breaking in Taiz. He considered the campaign a positive step to protect the governorate.

“The street vendors are affected because of this campaign, but it is important to take people into consideration because they are the majority,” he said.

Abdusalam said a central market has been established in Al-Jomla area, and all street vendors must go there to make Taiz an organized city.

Mohammed Abdu Sofian, a resident of the Beer Basha area, supported the campaign.He hopes that local authorities continue the campaign so that the scenes that distorted the beautiful appearance of the city won’t come back again.