Malawi: Mzuzu City Council (MCC) h as accepted that their efforts to curb illegal vending in the city have failed. They have been working hard to identify the shortcomings and have reported no success so far.
The spokesperson for MCC, McDonald Gondwe said the council has been unsuccessful in all its attempts to relocate the vendors. The officials have shared that they are dedicated to bringing the issue to a control despite the challenges.
He said it remains a challenge to the council to relocate vendors who conduct their businesses in illegal spots in the city. He highlighted that many of the vendors return to the same undesignated places even though the council has enforced mechanisms to curb the malpractice.
“We are now pondering on coming up with a permanent and lasting solution through engaging various stakeholders including the vendors themselves for joint planning to come up with solutions together,” said Gondwe.
He is disappointed to note that the council had of late registered increased street vending practices. He highlighted that council best efforts from the council to ensure sanity in operations to maintain the city clean.
“We have MCC Central Market, Zigwagwa Market and Ndata Flea Market which became operational in 2014 but despite these available spaces, some vendors prefer plying their businesses in unapproved areas.” Said Gondwe
One of the vendors who sell groceries outside the Main Market, Adam Ascot, said that he makes more sales as he operates a place of his choice which he said is convenient for customers.
Vice Secretary for MCC Central Market, Master Katete urged the council to find a permanent win-win solution to the problem considering that every have find ways of surviving the city either through business or employment.
“The council has to conduct research to find out why people opt to operate outside the market and solution should be hatched and implemented for the benefit of us all,”said Katete.
A visit to Chiyaleyale Market which is undesignated trading place just outside central market, it indicated that it was evident that the vendors are looking for a practical solution.