• It was expected the service delivery in bus stations and markets would improve,
• The task force has been visiting various markets and bus stations in Ndola to understand the challenges of traders and bus operators.
• Some advisory committees have urged the Council to protect traders and members of the public.

Ndola City Council says it has formed a task force to ensure that the taking over of markets and bus stations in the city is sustainable and translates in improved service delivery.

Council Public Relations Manager Rebecca Mushota tells Money news in a statement that the move is in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s statement made recently that it was expected the service delivery in bus stations and markets would improve after the takeover of public facilities by councils.

“The Ndola City Council Town Clerk Cosmas Chalusa established a task force comprising members of management and other members of staff.” she noted.

Ms. Mushota revealed the task force on markets and bus stations has been visiting various markets and bus stations in Ndola to understand challenges of traders and bus operators and to ascertain which short and long term measures should be put in place to maximize revenue collection and improve service delivery.

She stated that bus drivers, traders, commuters and members of the public have highlighted various challenges such as run down market and bus station shelters.

“Other challenges include damaged roads on bus stations, run-down toilets, lack of security and lack of proper bus stops closer to their residencies.

Ms. Mushota pointed out that some advisory committees have urged the Council to protect traders and members of the public from youths that abuse alcohol and hurl insults on residents.

“The council has also deployed more Council Police officers to the bus stations and markets.” Ms. Mushota said.

She highlighted that the Ndola City Council has embarked on both long and short term measures to rehabilitate run down infrastructure.

According to Ms. Mushota, “the task force will come up with various measures to ensure that service delivery in markets and bus stations improve.”