Lusaka City Council Removes Street Vendors From 6 Major Roads

By Nyambe Nalishebo The Lusaka City Council has removed street vendors from six major roads in the Central Business District -CBD- . The roads are Lumumba , Simon Mwewa Lane, Freedom Way, Chachacha and Cairo including Ben Bella Road and the area around the FINDECO House and the Kafue Round About. Lusaka Mayor CHITAMBALA MWEWA says all traders removed from the Central Business District will be allocated trading spaces in designated marketplaces within the Central Business District. Speaking during “Operation Clean Path” this morning, Lusaka Mayor CHITAMBALA MWEWA said the move is not aimed at punishing traders but at promoting legal and orderly trading in the city. The operation which started around 06- hours was done in collaboration with the Zambia Police Service. And Mr. MWEWA has urged market leadership to accommodate all traders regardless of their political affiliation and ensure that all traders operate from a safe and clean environment. Mr. MWEWA described the removal of street vendors as the first step towards keeping Lusaka clean and preventing a cholera outbreak. And Chinika Ward Councilor and aspiring Lusaka Deputy Mayor MASAUSO NGOMA has commended the operation, saying it will restore order and dignity to the capital city while safeguarding public health. Mr. NGOMA has called on traders to cooperate with the Council and take up the trading spaces being provided to ensure sustainable livelihoods. The Council says Operation Clean Path will continue until all streets are free from illegal vending. Meanwhile, one of the affected traders who spoke on behalf of others has appealed to the Lusaka City Council to expedite the allocation of trading spaces within the Central Business District.