LILANDA TRADERS CRY FOR A MARKET
By MUKOSELA KASALWE RESIDENTS of Lilanda Township have called on the government to construct a modern market in the area.
Jane Banda, a trader who operates from outside the dilapidated market, said Lilanda market could not accommodate the growing population in the township and the surrounding community.
Ms Banda said Lilanda Market which was located at Lilanda bus station lacked a proper shelter and that it had forced most traders to do their businesses along the road which was dangerous as they could be hit by moving vehicles.
In an interview, she called on the government to construct a modern market which could have the necessary basic needs such as toilets like their counterparts in Chilenje and Chelston markets. “As concerned traders of Lilanda, we are calling on the government to construct a modern market like the one in Chilenje and Chelston with the necessary basic needs such as a shelter and toilets,” Ms Banda said. Another trader, Jean Mwewa said with the onset of the rains it had proved to be a challenge to do business.
Ms Mwewa said it was a health hazard to sell fruits and vegetables along the roadside and that it was not attractive to customers.
“We face a lot of challenges especially during the rainy season and trading along the roadside is dangerous as we can be hit by moving vehicles,” Ms Mwewa said.
Mr John Mbewe, said previous councillors had been promising residents they would construct a modern market but that it had not been fulfilled.
Mr Mbewe however, expressed confidence that the PF Government would listen to their concerns and respond accordingly.
He said residents were eager to have a modern market and pay market levy unlike the current situation which eluded the much needed revenue collection for the Lusaka City Council.