Chisokone market `hoax` cripples business

BUSINESS yesterday came to a standstill at Chisokone Market in Kitwe when false rumours went round that the trading centre was about to be sold to a private entity.

The misinformation resulted from a report that the Government intended to upgrade the market into a modern trading infrastructure.

Shops and other business premises located near Chisokone were closed for fear of looting.

The traders intended to protest, but National Association of Traders and Marketeers of Zambia (NATMAZ) President Goodson Mofya assured them that the Government had no intention of selling the market to any foreign investor.

One of the Marketeers Bertha Bwalya said traders had information that the market would be sold to some foreign investors.

But Mr Mofya said the market was for the Zambian people who belonged to the informal sector and that the rumours were meant to bring confusion.

He appealed to traders to remain calm as the misinformation was being peddled by people who had no interest for the country.

And Chief Government spokesperson Dora Siliya dispelled the rumours as a white lie and that Zambians should not tolerate such falsehoods.

Ms Siliya, who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister, said the government had plans to renovate Chisokone Market to better standards.

Ms Siliya said once rehabilitated, traders would be trading in a conducive environment.