Thyolo district commissioner Noel Dakamau has encouraged vendors at Bvumbwe Market in the district to prioritise paying market fees, describing it as key to improving service delivery at the market.
Speaking on Saturday during a tour of the market to appreciate business activities and revenue transactions, the DC noted that some vendors deliberately avoid paying market fees, which the DC said affects the council’s service delivery.
“The K300 we charge per day remains one of the lowest fees, but we still maintain it to make it affordable. I, therefore, encourage vendors to take paying market fees seriously because it supports council operations and development activities,” said Dakamau.
He acknowledged sanitation challenges at the market and pledged that the council will address them.
Some sections of the market were not properly cleaned and others had piles of garbage, a situation Dakamau said requires urgent attention.
“I admit that sanitation remains a challenge at this market. We need to invest more in improving hygiene as well as provide solutions to the challenges,” he said.
Bvumbwe Market chairperson Martin Tsabola commended Dakamau for the visit, saying it motivated workers and vendors to improve their conduct.
One of the vendors, Marian Kadulo, welcomed the DC’s call for vendors to honour market fees and pledged to encourage fellow vendors to comply.
However, she emphasised the need for market officials to improve sanitation and hygiene at the facility.
During the visit, Dakamau paid market fees for two elderly business women.
