The Lusaka City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing street vending regulations, with the City Mayor Chilando Chitangala emphasizing the importance of traders operating from designated markets.
Ms. Chitangala said when she chaired a full Council meeting in the Council Chamber today that with over 4,000 trading spaces available in markets across the city, vendors must utilise these designated areas to uphold public health and sanity.
The mayor highlighted the need to provide alternative trading spaces for vendors who may not have secured spaces in the designated markets, ensuring that all traders have a place to conduct their businesses from.
During the meeting, Chilenje ward Councillor Reuben Mwenya moved a motion to also apprehend individuals buying from street vendors as a measure to curb street vending, urging that people should always buy from designated places.
The council emphasised that existing laws mandate the removal of vendors from streets, and that it will not be reluctant in enforcing these regulations.
The mayor stressed that the council has the necessary laws to take action and should not wait for guidance from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
The council’s decision to crack down on street vending comes as part of its efforts to maintain order and ensure that businesses operate within designated areas.
LCC PR UNIT