Tag Archives: Wakawaka market

Business, Malawi

Lilongwe City Council closes down Wakawaka market: Vendors asked to relocate to ByPass, Area 24

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Lilongwe City Council (LCC) has closed down Solomoni Market popularly known as Wakawaka market effective March 31, 2026.

The market closure follows the expiry of the business licences for Wakawaka market.

Addressing the news conference on Tuesday afternoon, LCC Chief Executive Officer Clement Stambuli advised vendors to relocate to the newly developed Bypass road and Area 24 markets.

Stambuli emphasized that the relocation is aimed at reducing road accidents, which have been a major concern in the area, and improving hygiene and sanitation, which are essential for the health and well-being of both vendors and customers.

The decision to close Wakaka Market has been taken after repeated warnings and notices to vendors, who have been given ample time to relocate to the designated areas, Stambuli said, adding that the council is committed to enforcing the decision.

According to Stambuli, the council has put in place measures to ensure a smooth transition, including the provision of adequate space and facilities at the new markets, and vendors are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities available.

The relocation of Wakaka Market vendors is part of the council’s broader efforts to improve the overall infrastructure and services in Lilongwe, and to create a more conducive business environment for traders and residents alike.

The move is also expected to improve the aesthetic appeal of the city, as the current market setup has been criticized for its untidy appearance and contribution to litter and congestion in the area.

Vendors who have been operating at Wakaka Market for years are, however, concerned about the impact of the relocation on their businesses, with some expressing fears that they may lose customers and income.

The council has urged vendors to cooperate and relocate peacefully, assuring them that their concerns are being taken into consideration and that efforts are being made to minimize disruptions to their businesses.

As the deadline for the closure of Wakaka Market approaches, tensions are running high, with some vendors threatening to resist the relocation, citing concerns about their livelihoods and the lack of alternative arrangements.

The Lilongwe City Council has, however, remained firm on its decision, emphasizing that the relocation is necessary for the greater good of the city and its residents.

Business, Development

Local Government Minister Ben Phiri orders smooth vendors relocation to newly Lilongwe’s refurbished Bypass from Wakawaka M1 Road market

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Local Government and Rural Development Minister Ben Phiri has ordered smooth relocation of vendors from Wakawaka Market along the M1 at Area 36 to newly built Western Bypass market.

The Minister Phiri made the order after touring the two facilities.

Phiri therefore directed city and district authorities to liaise with the leadership of the two markets to ensure a smooth relocation process.

But despite the order, Wakawaka Market vendors along the M1 have shown stiff resistance to relocate to Bypass market.

M1 Wakawaka Market Chairperson Muloleni Mangolomera argued that the relocation decision is driven by jealousy, alluding to long-standing tensions between rival market leaders and insisted that they will not move.

But Minister Phiri insisted that no individual in Malawi is permitted to own a market.

“Wakawaka Market will be relocated to the Bypass Road “by all means necessary, and in a manner that ensures justice for vendors and both sides of the divide,” insists Phiri.

Concerns have been raised over road safety, poor sanitation, and the high taxes paid by vendors at Wakawaka Market, which is situated on privately owned land near the busy road.

Meanwhile the Bypass Road Market is still under development with the coverage of 1.6 hacters of land.

Health, Malawi

Lilongwe City Council closes wakawaka market, central poultry over poor sanitation

Chisomo Phiri
Wakawaka market closed

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Following ongoing rise in the number of cholera cases in the country, Lilongwe city council authorities have today temporarily closed Wakawaka market and Central Poultry 2000 Limited for failing to follow sanitation measures.

Mayor for Lilongwe city council Richard Banda has confirmed the development with local media saying the action is to prevent people’s lives at risk of contracting cholera disease.

The Mayor inspected himself the market and the company where he noted poor sanitation.

According to Banda, the closure will become effective Wednesday, January 3, 2023.

Banda said the facilities will be reopened once they comply with proper hygiene measures.

Lilongwe has so far, recorded 1,265 cholera cases and 106 deaths since the start of the outbreak in March.

Largely, Malawi has registered 18,222 cases and 620 deaths over the same period.

On Monday, January 2, alone, the country recorded 409 cases and 25 deaths.

In a similar development, government has suspended reopening of primary and secondary schools across the country for two weeks due to the cholera outbreak.

Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water.

The disease causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.

If left untreated, cholera can be fatal within hours, even in previously healthy people.