The Association of Vendors, Traders and Marketeers of Zambia (AVTMZ) has welcomed government’s pronouncement to return street vending.
Yesterday the Minster of Local Government and Rural Development, Gift Sialubalo, announced that no one should harass street vendors and that they should be allowed to trade freely for as long they keep their surroundings clean.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Association President, Fredrick Tembo, welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-overdue relief for many small-scale traders who rely on street vending for their livelihoods.
“The Association will work closely with traders to ensure their surroundings remain clean at all times, so as not to compromise this new directive,” said Mr. Tembo.
He has noted that since the initial ban on street vending, many small businesses had collapsed, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.
Mr. Tembo has also urged local authorities to refrain from harassing vendors, warning that such actions will undermine the positive impact of the policy shift.
By Christabel Kamunu
