Vendors shun Mzuzu flea market

After scrambling to be allocated places at Mzuzu city flea market, vendors especially those selling farm produce, have returned to streets, car parks and other open grounds, arguing the market is a threat to their businesses.

The flea market was regarded as a solution to street vending, congestion and littering in the streets.

However, the vendors who earlier attributed their presence in streets and in car parks to lack of space in the markets and the delay in opening of Mzuzu flea market, have re-invaded the streets and car parks, a development that has worsened littering in the city.

The vendors argue that the Mzuzu flea market is not easily accessible (by customers) which makes it difficult for them to sell their merchandise. They say the situation affects their perishable goods and is costly on their part as they have to pay market fees.

Since there is another market in town, people prefer buying from there which leaves the vendors at the flea market with no customers hence their comeback in the streets.

With the vendors in the streets, Mzuzu City Council loses out on market fees which in turn affects development in the city.

Mzuzu city mayor William Mkandawire on Tuesday said the situation is getting out of hand because of weak enforcement.

“If all vendors selling farm produce were flushed out of the streets and main market to the flea market, the city would not have found itself in such a situation,” said Mkandawire.