The Harare City Council says it will continue demolishing illegal car sales in and around the city.

City spokesman Mr Leslie Gwindi, on Monday said the city was continuing with the demolishing of all illegal structures until the city is clean.

"We are continuing with the pulling down of the illegal car sales until December 31. By that time we will be having a consolidated report on the exercise," said Mr Gwindi.

Car dealers legally operating in and around Harare have hailed the local authority's move to flush out illegal car sales, saying it restores sanity in the city. The car dealers interviewed yesterday said people should follow laid down procedures. Some of the dealers whose car sales are still operating, claimed they had since paid the US$2 000 to US$3 000 to the council as per requirement. But the council spokesperson said the truth about who is legal or illegal is manifesting itself as the demolitions continue.

At Ferguson Car Sales, Mr Felix Matsitsiro said the council operation was good, although it has caused unemployment.

"When the city fathers planned the city they did not put provision for car sales. On that note the potential car dealer should apply for an operation license and proper procedures should be taken," he said.