Traders at Lusaka’s Kamwala market have expressed concern over the erection of shops and makeshift stalls in unauthorized and unsafe areas within the market.
According to several traders, suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres have started allocating trading spaces in unsuitable locations, particularly along the Kamwala Bridge and other precarious spots, posing a threat to safety and public order in the marketplace.
In an interview with RCV News, the traders claimed that although the local market council is aware of the situation, no action has been taken to restore order.
“These illegal structures are going to cause chaos in the market and we urge the local authorities to step in quickly before things get out of control, especially if these shops are demolished in the future,” said one of the traders identified as Andrew Mweenda.
Some vendors have also alleged that they possess receipts for the trading spaces, despite their questionable legitimacy.
However, efforts to get a response from the Lusaka City Council (LCC) at the time of broadcast were unsuccessful.
Cynthia Lupiya.
