Lusaka's Iron Hand: Chitambala Mwewa Issues Fiery Warning to Protesting Vendors!

Lusaka City Council Mayor-Elect Mwewa Chitambala has issued a definitive and stern warning to street vendors, declaring that the era of street protests concerning trading spaces is officially coming to an end. The Mayor-Elect explicitly stated that September 29 marks the absolute end of street vending in Lusaka. From September 30 onwards, law-enforcement agencies are poised to be on high alert, prepared to strictly enforce this new directive.

Chitambala's message was unequivocal, warning potential protestors that "If you protest after the 29th, you will be a rumour," a remark that strongly signals a potentially tense and confrontational period between city authorities and the street vending community. He further alleged that recent protests, specifically those on Tuesday, were orchestrated by cadres reportedly linked to the UPND Chibolya Branch. The Mayor-Elect accused these groups of attempting to deliberately frustrate the council’s dedicated efforts to clear the city's streets. He issued a clear threat, stating that "the law will visit them soon," indicating that those found to be behind the protests could face significant legal repercussions. Adding to these claims, Chitambala also alleged that some individuals actively resisting the removal of street vendors are undocumented immigrants who, in his view, are determined to continue trading from undesignated street locations.

Addressing concerns about displacement, Mayor-Elect Chitambala Mwewa assured the public and vendors that there is ample trading space available within the city to accommodate all street vendors as the deadline takes effect. He highlighted that Lusaka boasts approximately 15,000 available trading spaces situated both within and around 28 designated markets. This figure significantly exceeds the estimated 8,000 registered street vendors, demonstrating that designated alternatives are indeed available. Speaking on the "Let the People Talk" programme on Phoenix FM, Mr. Mwewa urged vendors to utilize these established markets within their respective localities instead of occupying streets, bus stations, and other undesignated public areas.

The Mayor-Elect reflected on past challenges, noting that previous attempts to remove street vendors from the city's thoroughfares had failed largely due to a lack of political will and the presence of individuals with vested interests in allowing street vending to persist. Under his new administration, Mr. Mwewa affirmed the city’s resolute commitment to enforce all trading regulations, emphasizing that Lusaka can only truly function effectively and properly when its residents adhere to established rules and utilize designated trading spaces. Furthermore, he did not shy away from accusing some council police officers of being complicit in the problem. He announced that the roles of the 395 officers currently deployed would be thoroughly redefined and restructured under his new administration, signaling a comprehensive overhaul of enforcement strategies. This latest warning and the looming deadline set the stage for a critical period, as the council prepares for strict enforcement and street vendors grapple with the prospect of relocating from their customary trading spots.