Market fee evasion worries BT City Council
Blantyre City Council has bemoaned the continued practice of shunning market fees by some vendors at Chilobwe Market.
Blantyre District Council Finance and Audit Service Committee chairperson councillor Jeremiah Jumbe raised the concern during the ordinary full council meeting on Monday.
In an interview, Jumbe said most business people at Chilobwe Market shun market fees, a development he said needed urgent redress as it affects development.
“Last year, we conducted a revenue collection campaign. That was when we realised that many people do not pay fees. When they see a revenue collector they close their shops,” said Jumbe.
He said the committee resolved to hold awareness campaigns to sensitise the people to the importance of paying market fees and the consequences of its evasion.
Jumbe further said district commissioner Bennet Nkasala has assured the committee that the campaign will take place after which, non-complying businesses will be closed. n