Torching markets taking people deeper in poverty
By Tony Nkhoma
ECONOMIST Kelvin Chisanga says the burning of markets is pushing many people in deeper poverty.
Chisanga said the burning of markets was a severe setback for thousands of informal traders whose livelihoods depended on daily business operations.
“This single incident of Chamboli Market burnt down can push many people into a deeper poverty belt, as most traders operate without some form of insurance or specifics of financial buffers,” he said.
Chisanga in a statement seen by The Mast the burning of community markets was not just a tragic event but usually a severe socio-economic setback.
“Markets like Kitwe’s Chamboli, Chingola’s Chiwempala and Lusaka’s City markets are economic lifelines, especially for low-income households and any iota of disruptions instantly translates into food insecurity, loss of income and increased vulnerability among families,” he said.
Chisanga said in many urban communities, market trading was the primary source of employment for most women, young people and informal entrepreneurs.
Chisanga said the destruction of merchandise and trading spaces meant that households that were already struggling to meet basic needs now faced an even harsher reality.
He said if investigations tended to reveal any form of foul play or deliberate sabotage, it should be condemned in the strongest terms.
“Acts like this are not just criminal, they are economically destructive and socially devastating. They wipe out years of hard work, push families into hunger and strain social safety nets,” Chisanga said.
He urged councils to embed a small portion of insurance charge in their daily levy collections to help with indemnity on property and goods.
Chisanga urged the councils across the country to strengthen market security.
He said markets were community-linked assets and protecting them was a critical aspect in sustaining household incomes, urban food supply chains and local economic stability.
“This tragedy and many others that occurred in the past clearly highlight the urgent need for government and local authorities to strengthen market security systems, invest in fire-prevention infrastructure and create emergency support mechanisms for affected traders,” Chisanga said.
In less than two months fires have destroyed property worth tens of thousands of kwacha in Ndola, Kitwe and Chingola.
