REPLICATE MARKET UPGRADE
TRADERS in many parts of the country have been operating in squalor because market infrastructure is too old to accommodate a growing population.
In some areas, traders conduct their business in the open which has birthed the vernacular name Tambalala market, denoting a sitting position on bare ground.
Worse still, there are no proper conveniences in trading areas for both marketeers and customers while disposal of garbage remains a nightmare.
Therefore, the offer by the Chamber of Mines to construct modern markets in Ndola, Lusaka and Kitwe, is a milestone for the country.
On numerous occasions, market structures have been reduced to rubble because of constant outbreaks of fire.
In particular, the sprawling Chisokone market in Kitwe has experienced the highest number of infernos that have swept through the vast trading area.
In worst scenarios, people have been burnt to death because they spend nights in the poorly constructed structures.
Many other markets have suffered night fires including Kapalala in Masala township in Ndola, Buseko on Lumumba Road and Misisi charcoal market both in the capital city.
This has brought misery among traders who eke out a living in the informal sector and support large families including orphans.
If a dedicated research was conducted about after-effects on marketeers that have lost a fortune in market fires, grim tales would emerge.
It is also true that poor sanitation and indiscriminate disposal of garbage have caused cholera and other serious diseases that have wiped out innocent lives.
Most markets in the country were designed for a smaller population, hence they have buckled under the weight of the increased number of customers and traders.
There has been immense pressure on the limited lavatories and people are forced to relieve themselves in hidden corners and in makeshift stalls.
Later, they dispose of the solid waste on uncollected garbage heaps and in the drainage system.
Thus markets have presented fertile breeding ground for diseases particularly in the rainy season; this has become a common feature.
Another glaring challenge is that traders from far-flung areas, spend nights in markets which have become their second homes.
Fish traders from as far as Luapula Province, camp for months-on-end at Chisokone market. Kapenta traders from Mpulungu and Siavonga equally spend months in makeshift stalls.
Foreigners from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and other countries are also “residents” at Chisokone and other markets.
Local authorities have failed to police the markets after work hours.
The coming on board of the Chamber of Mines, therefore, will eliminate the ills associated with markets in Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe.
There will be no room for vagabonds that usually sneak into the markets in the night while traders will be regulated as not to sleep in these facilities.
Modern markets will have sufficient lavatories, social amenities such as police posts, post offices and business centres.
Security will be beefed up while more revenue will be realised from levies for the councils.
In fact, more modern markets should be constructed in the three cities because the population has continued to rise.
It will be prudent for Government to replicate this Public Private Partnership arrangement in all parts of the country, new districts included.
As a consequence, a programme should be designed to build capacity in local authorities so that they are able to manage modern markets and also handle many other civic duties such as refuse collection.
However, management boards must be constituted to run the markets on behalf of councils.
Henceforth, traders at Chisokone and other markets must therefore cooperate during the construction phase and vacate the premises without causing consternation.