Chipata council apologises to vendors

CHIPATA City Council (CCC) has apologised officially to street vendors who had their merchandise damaged during a routine operation to keep vendors off the street.

The apology follows a directive by Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale to Chipata Town Clerk to probe the alleged destruction of merchandise for vendors during a routine inspection.

The goods were reportedly damaged after a scuffle reported to have ensured between the council team and the vendors, in the process destroying the goods.

In a statement yesterday, the council noted that street vending was illegal and that it was determined to ensure high hygiene standards were maintained in accordance with SI 12 of 2018.

“We conducted a street vending operation on 2nd March 2018 and goods were damaged at a place known as Jere. As a council we apologise unreservedly to the affected parties,” reads part of the statement.

The statement made it clear that vending was illegal and that there was need to formalise activities of the vendors by consulting with the local authority.

“We wish to remind everyone that vending is illegal according to SI 12 of 2018. Further we encourage street vendors to come to the Department of Housing and Social Services at the Old Civic Centre for allocation of market stands,” said the CCC in the statement.

Meanwhile, an investigation is currently underway to establish what led to the goods being destroyed as claimed by the affected vendors.