By Milcah Mathias

Blantyre, December 19, Mana: Blantyre District Council has urged vendors plying their trade along the road at Mpemba Trading Centre to relocate and occupy the space in the newly constructed Mpemba Market from Monday, December 23, 2024.

Speaking during the sensitization awareness meeting at Mpemba Trading Centre, Blantyre District Council Trade Officer, Pilirani Nyangulu Mbwana said the decision to relocate would help prevent accidents that occur when vendors conduct business along the road.

“This market shed will therefore facilitate safe and easy trading among buyers and sellers,” Mbwana said.

Meanwhile, the council has issued a warning that it will engage the police if vendors do not abide by the order.

Chairperson for Mpemba Market Committee, Frano Chimenya commended the council for constructing the market shed to ensure vendors sell their merchandise at designated places.

Chimenya also pledged to take ownership by mobilizing the business community to utilize the structure.

“Let us cooperate and go to the market shed as this is for the benefit of us all. We asked the council to construct the market for us, now that it is here, let us not resist using the new place,” said Chimenya.

One of the vendors, Alinafe Somanje said she had already relocated, as she wanted to conduct her business in a safe and conducive environment during the rainy season.

Somanje, therefore, urged fellow vendors to patronize the new market saying the market will show its full importance when the vendors relocate as customers go to where the products are.

The market shed has been constructed using the council's locally generated revenue to the tune of K43 million.

It is expected to accommodate at least 60 business people from Mpemba Trading Centre and surrounding areas.