• Government, Associations to agree on a lasting solution pertaining street vending
• Eviction of street vendors will send hundreds of families into destitution
• Local authority to use Constituency Development Funds to expand areas of trade
A Non-Governmental Organization has called on Government and Association in charge of street vendors to agree on a lasting solution pertaining street vending in the country.
Care for Nature Zambia Executive Director Nsama Musonda told Money FM News that the directive by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Garry Nkombo asking traders to vacate the streets of Lusaka with immediate effect will send hundreds of families into destitution hence the need to find solutions.
Ms. Musonda further advised the local authority to use Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to expand areas of trade in order to accommodate street vendors.
She noted that this can only be done when all stakeholders come on board and address the issue through dialogue.
“Traders have representation through Associations such as Association of Vendors, Traders and Marketers of Zambia and the Minister should have sought dialogue with the association leaders in order to agree on a lasting solution because this is not the first time that Government is trying to remove vendors from the streets, and so far all attempts have not been positive, indicating that there is need for government to work hand in hand with the affected in order to come up with a solution,” she said
She appealed to Mr. Nkombo through the local authority to work with Associations, CSOs and the affected traders to hold meetings that will lead to a lasting solution with sending families into destitution.
On Wednesday, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gary Nkombo directed all street vendors in the Central Business District to vacate with immediate effect.