MATHEWS MALAZIKA Lusaka MINISTER of Local Government and Rural Development Gift Sialubalo has called on local authorities to ensure that the allocation of market stalls and trading spaces is conducted in a transparent, fair and accountable manner. Mr Sialubalo said allegations of…

MATHEWS MALAZIKA

Lusaka

MINISTER of Local Government and Rural Development Gift Sialubalo has called on local authorities to ensure that the allocation of market stalls and trading spaces is conducted in a transparent, fair and accountable manner.

Mr Sialubalo said allegations of unfair allocation, multiple occupation of trading spaces, unauthorised subletting and demands for unofficial payments could undermine public confidence in market management.

In a ministerial statement to Parliament yesterday on the control of street vending and allocation of trading spaces in markets, Mr Sialubalo said all trading activities must be conducted in accordance with the law.

He said Government’s approach is not intended to deprive citizens of their livelihoods but to promote lawful trading, protect public infrastructure, improve urban cleanliness and safety, and ensure that markets operate in an orderly and sustainable manner.

Mr Sialubalo said local authorities are expected to undertake enforcement operations lawfully, professionally, consistently and humanely.

He said traders should be sensitised on applicable requirements, provided with clear information about designated trading areas and treated with dignity during enforcement activities.

The minister stressed that enforcement measures must also be accompanied by practical arrangements to ensure traders have access to suitable trading spaces.

He said removing traders from undesignated locations without addressing the availability, accessibility and affordability of alternative trading facilities might not provide a lasting solution to street vending.

Mr Sialubalo said Government remains concerned about the continued occupation of roads, drainage channels, pedestrian walkways and other undesignated public spaces by traders.

He said such practices contribute to traffic congestion, obstruct pedestrian movement, compromise sanitation, interfere with emergency access and undermine the orderly development of towns and cities.

The minister said his ministry continues to guide local authorities in enforcing laws, by-laws and regulations governing markets, trading places, public health, sanitation, waste management and the use of public spaces.

On Lusaka, Mr Sialubalo said the city has 34 markets offering more than 14,000 trading spaces available for immediate allocation, but only 405 have so far been allocated to traders.

He said Lusaka has approximately 8,000 registered street vendors who could be accommodated in the available trading spaces. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home