Traders still agitated with roofless market

TRADERS at City Market in Lusaka are still agitated with the Lusaka City Council (LCC) alleged failure to place tents on the open roof at the partially gutted portion of the market.

This follows unfulfilled pledges to place tents on the open roof which was resulting in their merchandise destroyed due to torrential rains.

One of the affected traders, Matthews Kachona said they have been trading in an open space despite assurance from the market management to provide tents.

Mr Kachona said it was regrettable that the local authority had failed to provide good service to the traders.

“We are making losses because our goods are getting soaked with rains, the management have been making fake promises that they will provide tents but in vain,” said Mr Kachona.

Another trader, Mwaka Mwalubika, expressed sadness that the market had continued operating without electricity making their business difficult.

The traders have appealed to President Edgar Lungu to quickly intervene in the matter.

But City Market Manager, Gift Sichimba, reaffirmed management’s commitment to resolve the crisis.

“We will make a follow up with Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to check on the earlier request for tents,” said Mr. Sichimba,