Africa-Press – Zambia. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in Zambia has directed local authorities not to collect levies from street vendors trading from undesignated places. According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Maambo Haamaundu, such an action would be illegal under the national and by-laws.
Speaking on the Hot Seat Radio program on Hot FM, Mr. Haamaundu reiterated that street vending along Lusaka’s Lumumba Road and elsewhere is illegal. He went further to explain that collecting levies from street vendors operating in undesignated places would amount to legalizing an illegal trade, which should not be allowed to continue.
“If the council is allowed to collect revenue from these vendors, it will mean that they are recognized to trade from such places. The council should find suitable designated trading areas which are recognized. The Central Business District of Lusaka should be left free of vending because these places lack social amenities and other auxiliary facilities which are ideal for trading,” said Mr. Haamaundu.
He emphasized that the status quo remains unless the government decides otherwise, and the vendors should not be asked to pay levies to local authorities. He pledged to engage authorities at the Lusaka City Council to resolve the issue and come up with a long-term solution.
“This directive will help protect street vendors who are often harassed by the authorities and subject to arbitrary and excessive fees. It will also ensure that vendors are not penalized for trading in undesignated places and create a fair trading environment,” said David Mukuma, the President of the Street Vendors Association of Zambia.
The increasing population in Lusaka has made it difficult for the council to provide proper services. Mr. Haamaundu noted that Lusaka was designed for about 100,000 people but that the population has now exceeded 3.1 million people, placing more pressure on service delivery.
He responded to a caller on the radio program who asked about measures being put in place to avert continued sewer blockages in Lusaka’s residential areas. The Permanent Secretary acknowledged that the blockages were a result of increased population and added that the government was working with the Japan International Co-operation Agency to re-plan the capital city to accommodate the increased population.
“This is a critical issue, and we need to work together to ensure that the city can accommodate the needs of its growing population. The government is committed to addressing this issue and providing the necessary infrastructure and services to ensure a better quality of life for all residents,” he said.
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