MZIMBA-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Malunga Phiri has ordered vendors at Ekwendeni Market in North Mzimba to relocate to the new Trading Centre within the next thirty days.
The Minister issued the order on Thursday when he addressed the leadership of the vendors at the said market.
The new market was constructed in 2009 but vendors were refusing to relocate to the same because it is not yet completed to the usable state and that ther are no other essential services such as water, electricity and a better road.
However, the Minister has given Mmbelwa District Council, a two week period within which it should upgrade to gravel standards the earth road that leads to the new market from the main road within two weeks.
“We are hoping that all things being equal, by 24 of next month the new market site will be operational as both the Government and the vendors have their own roles to play, ” said Honourable Phiri.
On his part, Chairperson for Ekwendeni Vendors Committee, Gideon Chunda, said vendors will move to the new market when the Council rehabilitates the earth road that leads to the new market.
Member of Parliament for Mzimba North East Constituency where the market is located, Catherine Gotani Hara, said she was happy that people in her constituency will have a new market.
Ironically, early this month the Minister released a memorandum advising all Chief Executive Officers and District Commissioners not to move vendors who ply their trade along the roads due to current political situation.
