Mzuzu flea market in need of sanitation

Vendors who have occupied the Mzuzu flea market from the streets have complained of lack of toilets at the new site which is still under construction.

Chairperson of the market Homexius Mbewe said the toilets at the premises are incomplete; hence cannot be used.

A snap survey at the market showed that marketers are relieving themselves at a nearby bush.

“We have no option but to use the bush; if you just take a walk along the bush, you will see how filthy it is,” Mbewe said.

Apart from the toilets, the vendors also whined of slow business at the flea market.

Mbewe said they feel cheated because when vacating from the streets, they agreed with city council that all farm produce traders will also move to the site.

“We have realised now that other farm produce traders are still in the central market, which is a barrier to our business,” he said.

Mayor for the city William Mkandawire, refused to comment on the toilet issue but said the council is in the process of moving all farm produce vendors to the flea market.

Mkandawire said the move will be completed within the month of September.

In a desperate move to rid the green city of street vendors the council moved the traders to the unfinished market on Wednesday last week.