Remove us, lose power, Kabwe street vendors warn UPND
By Thandizo Banda
OVER two weeks after the dissolution of Parliament ahead of the August 13 general elections, street vendors have reoccupied major trading spaces in Kabwe’s central business district (CBD).
The traders have warned the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) that any attempt to remove them from the streets could have political consequences at the ballot box.
In separate interviews with The Mast yesterday, several vendors said they returned to the streets immediately after Parliament was dissolved because local authorities traditionally ease enforcement of trading regulations during election periods.
“If they dare to remove us, we will not vote for UPND and they will be out of government,” Racheal Kunda said.
The return of street vendors has, however, sparked concern among established businesses operating in the town centre.
Shoprite Kabwe Town Centre administration manager Joshua Kabamba said the growing number of vendors around the store entrance was restricting customer access, creating security concerns and contributing to increased littering.
Kabamba called on the Kabwe Municipal Council(KMC) to intervene before the situation deteriorates.
At the Zambeef Kabwe Macro outlet, manager Julius Mulenga expressed similar concerns, saying vendors trading along the store’s corridors were impeding the free movement of shoppers while affecting the cleanliness and security of the premises.
Meanwhile, Kabwe Business Association (KBA) president Kapai Banda said authorities should consider establishing designated trading areas to accommodate vendors while safeguarding the interests of formal businesses.
“Sadly, in this electioneering season, we are yet again witnessing an influx of vendors. This is why we have been advocating for a permanent solution to this perennial challenge,” Banda said.
Aspiring Independent Kabwe Central Member of Parliament (MP) Don Mwenda warned the vendors of the pending removal from the streets soon if they re- elected the same failed leadership into office.
“We ask you Kabwe residents, to vote for new leaders, if your problems are to lessen, don’t vote for the same old failed leadership, as it will not take you anywhere,” he said.
UPND Kabwe District publicity secretary Isaac Kambunji said street vending would be a thing of the past once more trading facilities were created using Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Kabwe Municipal Council public relations officer Chris Mulaliki warned traders that street vending remained prohibited under Council by-law 12.
“So, we encourage the sellers to return to designated spaces where they can also access ablution facilities. We have enough room,” he said.
Mulaliki said vending had caused unnecessary congestion, indiscriminate disposal of garbage and an increase in pick-pocketing crimes.
