Africa-Press – Zambia. MINISTRY of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Mambo Hamaundu says government is almost finished with the consultations regarding street vending.
Last month, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo rescinded his earlier directive to local authorities to clear out street vendors trading in undesignated areas, to allow for further consultations with stakeholders.
He said that the consultations were aimed at finding a solution to the challenges faced by street vendors and to come up with a comprehensive street vending policy that would benefit both the vendors and the public. The policy is also expected to promote cleanliness, safety and order in the streets, and to prevent the vendors from blocking sidewalks and obstructing traffic.
Hamaundu stated that the government had received positive feedback from stakeholders, including street vendors, local authorities and members of the public, and that the consultations were almost done. He added that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development was working on a proposal that would be presented to the cabinet for approval.
He said Street vending has been a contentious issue in Zambia, with vendors often being forced to operate in informal, unregulated areas. This has led to a number of challenges, including lack of access to basic services such as water and sanitation, exposure to inclement weather, and increased risk of crime and violence.
In order to address these challenges, the government has been working to establish a regulatory framework for street vending that would provide vendors with access to basic services and ensure their safety. The policy is also expected to provide a more structured and organized system for street vending, which would improve the vendors’ livelihoods and contribute to the development of the informal economy.
Hamaundu stated that the government was committed to finding a solution that would benefit both street vendors and the public. He emphasized that the policy would provide vendors with the necessary support to grow their businesses, while also ensuring that the public was protected from the negative impacts of street vending.
In addition to the consultations, the government has also been working to educate street vendors on the importance of maintaining cleanliness and order in the streets. This includes training on waste management and proper food handling, as well as educating vendors on the dangers of blocking sidewalks and obstructing traffic.
The proposed policy is expected to include provisions for the creation of designated vending areas, where vendors would be able to operate legally and safely. The policy would also include provisions for the provision of basic services, such as water and sanitation, to vendors in these designated areas.
Hamaundu stated that the policy would also include measures to prevent the abuse of vending areas by unscrupulous individuals, who often take advantage of vendors and exploit them for their own gain. He added that the government would work closely with local authorities and other stakeholders to enforce the policy and ensure that it was implemented effectively.
He further said that the government’s consultations on street vending are almost done, and a comprehensive policy is expected to be presented to the cabinet for approval soon. The policy is expected to provide street vendors with the support they need to grow their businesses, while also ensuring that the public is protected from the negative impacts of street vending. The government’s commitment to finding a solution that benefits both street vendors and the public is a positive step towards improving the livelihoods of Zambia’s informal sector workers and promoting the development of the informal economy.
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