Statement by Joyce S. Nyendwa, MCC Chairperson for Local Government | 15th January, 2025.
On Tuesday, 14th January, 2025, I interacted with victims of the recent shop demolitions at Lumumba Junction, and their plight is deeply concerning. The state of governance in the Ministry of Local Government is alarmingly poor, and the Minister must be held accountable for this failure. Poor planning continues to disrupt the lives of innocent citizens, leaving families in despair and livelihoods destroyed.
Before demolishing markets or shops, the government must provide alternative spaces for traders. These markets are not just stalls; they are lifelines for many families. Displacing traders without a contingency plan is inhumane and irresponsible.
The continuous demolitions have forced people back onto the streets, exposing them to unsafe conditions. Lusaka City Market has become one of the dirtiest markets in the country, despite Constituency Development Funds (CDF) being allocated to improve such facilities. Blocked drainage systems and unsanitary conditions are glaring signs of neglect.
The councils, instead of assisting traders, are focused on confiscating their goods, treating them with indignity. Meanwhile, foreign traders enjoy preferential treatment. This is not just unfair; it is a disgrace.
If urgent action is not taken, Lusaka City Market will face a cholera outbreak. The current state of drainage is a hazard, posing a risk to street children, marketers, and pedestrians. We fear that, with the continued harassment by council police, someone might fall into the filthy, rubbish-filled drains, leading to injury or worse.
The UPND government has failed the people of Zambia with their empty promises. Citizens are tired of being let down and yearn for genuine leadership. Dr. Harry Kalaba and the Citizens First Party will ensure that Zambians’ needs are at the heart of all governance. We will create clean, safe, and well-organized markets to support traders and their families.
I urge the Minister of Local Government and the Member of Parliament for Lusaka Central to address this dire situation immediately. The people cannot continue to suffer while leadership turns a blind eye. Fulfill your promises to the people who trusted you.
Zambians deserve better, and that change is coming with Dr. Harry Kalaba in 2026. Together, we will rebuild this nation with integrity, compassion, and genuine service to its citizens.
Joyce S. Nyendwa
MCC Chairperson for Local Government,
Citizens First Party