Vendors in Mangochi demand market shelter
Vendors in Chiponde, Mangochi District have asked authorities to construct a market shelter for them to operate in a conducive environment.
They said this on Saturday during a follow-up meeting between vendors and duty-bearers to discuss the progress of the market shelter that DAI organised under the Governance for Solutions (GfS) Project.
Chiponde Market chairperson Swaleyi Watch described the situation as pathetic.

“The available shelter only accommodates 12 vendors and leaves others in a chaotic environment,” he said.
Watch said during the rainy season, they sell their merchandise on verandas of shops at a fee of K1 500 per day.
Group village head Chiponde, a vendor himself, said the situation forces some vendors to boycott paying market fees.
“Vendors are reluctant to pay market fees. They say they do not see a reason why they should pay the tax,” he said.
Mangochi District Council assistant revenue supervisor Peter Lumbalo acknowledged the lack of a shelter at the market.
“The shelter will help vendors sell their goods in a good environment. Apart from that, the facility will boost our revenue collection as more vendors will be motivated to pay market fees,” he said.
Mandimba Ward councillor Iliyasa Sauzande said he will ask the council to allocate funds for the shelter in the 2025/26 budget.
“This market serves people of Mozambique and Malawi. It is one of the big markets in the border area and it needs modem facilities,” he said.
DAI held the meeting with funding from the United States Agency for International Development under GfS project