February 24, 2025
By Thomas Ngala
THE Lusaka City Council (LCC) has apprehended 10 street vendors for allegedly illegally trading in the Central Business District (CBD).
In a statement yesterday, public relations manager Chola Mwamba said additionally, two individuals were arrested for obstructing state police and council police officers during the anti-vending operation and patrols.
Mwamba said obstructing officers, especially when on duty, is a serious offense that endangers the safety of law enforcement officers and undermines their ability to maintain order and enforce the law effectively.
“All 12 suspects have appeared before the Lusaka Fast-Track Court and were released upon payment of the prescribed fines,” she said. “The local authority wishes to remind members of the public that street vending remains illegal in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 12 of 2018. We therefore expect members of the public to respect and abide by this law.” Mwamba said.
She added that street vending compromises public health standards as there are no sanitary facilities such as running water and toilets, provided on the streets, thereby leading to unhygienic conditions that pose risks to both vendors and customers.
“The Council in collaboration with the Zambia Police and other stakeholders will continue to monitor the situation to ensure orderliness in the management of business in the city,” she said. “The LCC remains committed to providing designated trading areas that comply with health and safety regulations to accommodate legal trading in the city.”
