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DPP governor makes u-turn on illegal vending

 

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional governor (North) Kenneth Sanga, who was accused of breeding street vending in Mzuzu, has endorsed the idea of flushing out illegal vendors.

The development followed a visit to the market and streets by Mzuzu City Council (MCC) and other stakeholders.

Mwakikunga (C): making a point during discussions

The illegal vendors were uncooperative to move into designated areas and it was alleged that Sanga had ordered them to remain in the streets where they do not pay market fees but benefit from councils and deprive vendors in markets of customers.

The council and city residents were losers in the wrangle that has lasted over three months. MCC could not collect market fees to carry out various operations such as servicing employees monthly salaries.

This time the council engaged Sanga, police, vendors and other stakeholders to resolve the issue.

After the tour on Friday the governor acknowledged the city’s market has enough space to accommodate all the vendors in the streets and that there is no need for them to continue trading in the streets. He said what he found out was contrary to what the vendors had been communicating in terms of space availability.

“DPP all along has been against illegal vending. It is DPP government that ended illegal vending during late President Professor Bingu wa Mutharika and I cannot do the contrary. I was misquoted,” said Sanga.

Mzuzu City deputy mayor Alexander Mwakikunga said he was pleased with the peaceful resolution of the long-standing issue.

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