Street Vendors Relocate to Mwewa Market
By Mark Ziligone
More than 500 street vendors operating along the Simon Mwewa Lane in Lusaka have been relocated to the newly constructed Simon Mwewa Lane Market.
Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Technical Services NICHOLAS PHIRI has confirmed the development in an interview with ZNBC News.
Mr. PHIRI said the relocation exercise has so far been a success with high level compliance from the traders.
He said the lower floor has remained with 150 trading spaces while the upper floor consists of about 300 shop units.
Mr. PHIRI said 130 shops have already been occupied and more allocations are ongoing.
He commended the traders for responding positively to the April 18 deadline that was issued for them to vacate the street and move into the new market.
Mr. PHIRI added that plans are in place to ensure full occupancy of the market by the end of the holiday season, with over 960 vendors expected to be accommodated once the process is complete.
He further warned those who may attempt to return to the streets that the law will not permit such actions.
Mr. PHIRI said it is time people begin to appreciate that it pays more to trade from designated spaces.
He added that those who refuse to comply will not be recognised as legitimate vendors, and that mechanisms will be put in place to ensure they are brought back into the market system.
